as in retreating
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back
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Recent Examples of falling back
Crude prices shot up above $100 on the news of the attacks before falling back a bit.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026
Brent crude, the international standard, spiked to nearly $120 on Monday before falling back but was still at around $90 a barrel on Tuesday, nearly 24% higher than when the war started.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
On Monday, markets swung from big losses to finish the day with gains, while oil prices neared $120 per barrel before falling back to about $90.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
The Twin Cities will stay mild Monday night, with temperatures only falling back to around freezing.
—Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
The rocket reached an altitude of 224 miles (360 km) before falling back to Earth.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2026
Despite a calamitous financial outlook, its share price has shown resiliency — soaring to an all-time high of almost $500 last month before falling back to around $422 this morning after the Q4 reveal.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Grande has previously shared her desire to return to theater after falling back in love with acting through the filming of Wicked.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2026
Be brave, and resist falling back on English Don’t fear being laughed at or scolded for speaking imperfectly, said Massimo Macchiavello, the marketing manager for Posta, a destination management company in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026
Brent crude, the international standard, spiked to nearly $120 on Monday before falling back but was still at around $90 a barrel on Tuesday, nearly 24% higher than when the war started.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
On Monday, markets swung from big losses to finish the day with gains, while oil prices neared $120 per barrel before falling back to about $90.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
The Twin Cities will stay mild Monday night, with temperatures only falling back to around freezing.
—Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
The rocket reached an altitude of 224 miles (360 km) before falling back to Earth.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2026
Despite a calamitous financial outlook, its share price has shown resiliency — soaring to an all-time high of almost $500 last month before falling back to around $422 this morning after the Q4 reveal.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Grande has previously shared her desire to return to theater after falling back in love with acting through the filming of Wicked.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2026
Be brave, and resist falling back on English Don’t fear being laughed at or scolded for speaking imperfectly, said Massimo Macchiavello, the marketing manager for Posta, a destination management company in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for falling back
Verb
-
Parasite versus 1917 was expanding Oscar’s horizons versus retreating to familiar territory.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Goldman’s baseline forecast has Brent crude averaging $98 per barrel in March and April before retreating to $71 by year-end.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Consider withdrawing $150,000 to buy the land then, wait to pull the next $150,000 in the next year.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Spurs imploded away to Atletico, also losing 5-2 and withdrawing their goalkeeper after going three down in 15 minutes.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As service begins at a fine dining restaurant’s Los Angeles residency, allegations of the chef’s abusive workplace practices have resurfaced, sparking backlash, protests and major sponsors like American Express and dining concierge startup Blackbird pulling out.—
Shindy Chen
March 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Snook, a 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police, was working an overtime shift at the DMV when Rose entered the building and sat in the waiting area for several minutes before pulling out a gun.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Jefferson Lerma performed reasonably well after dropping back from midfield, is strong in the air and offers experience despite it not being his primary position, but his hamstring injury against Burnley on February 11 meant even fewer options.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Temperatures remain steady in the upper 30s and lower 40s through sunset, before dropping back into the upper 20s and lower 30s as the forecast dries out overnight.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As officers yell for Martinez to stop, Stevens pulls his weapon and rapidly fires three shots through the window before quickly backing away.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
-
As officers yell for Martinez to stop, Stevens pulls his weapon and rapidly fires three shots through the window before quickly backing away.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Two other House members are retiring after long careers.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The Hastings City Council has appointed a new police chief to replace Chief David Wilske who is retiring.—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Falling back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falling%20back. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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