as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
she hung back in offering her opinion about her daughter's career choices because it wasn't her business
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hang back
Those of us not actually knocking hung back in the stairwell; even so, some residents were hesitant to engage.
—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
While others in our pack hung back, discussing everything from real estate prices to the effects of social media on teenagers (Really?
—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Felicia Coleman hung back in the throng of family members gathered in front of the microphones, wiping away tears.
—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
While others in our pack hung back, discussing everything from real estate prices to the effects of social media on teenagers (Really?
—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Felicia Coleman hung back in the throng of family members gathered in front of the microphones, wiping away tears.
—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back
Verb
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When King asked if the unnamed celebrity was the one, Brown didn't hesitate.
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The girls don’t hesitate to lay into him either with Trinity, Melanie, and Aniya all coming to Kenzie’s impassioned defense.
Verb
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And once performance falters, customers are likely to lose faith in your brand.
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Russell Henley also made a 4-under push on Sunday to finish 10-under, while Cam Young faltered in the final pairing with a 1-over round to finish 10-under as well.
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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