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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Recent Examples of hang back
While everyone else is working to save Bree, Belle hangs back and deals with the dead bodies.
—
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 23 June 2025
But trading partners may want to hang back to assess the situation before resuming negotiations.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Margie’s Intention, the morning line’s second favorite trained by Brad Cox, played the conditions, hanging back until Paris Lily lost her legs in the deep slush.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
This is a prime opportunity for parents to enjoy a morning ride while grandparents hang back with grandchildren to meet a baby goat, pet friendly pigs and, on select days, collect eggs from the henhouse.
—Margaux Lushing, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 23 June 2025
But trading partners may want to hang back to assess the situation before resuming negotiations.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Margie’s Intention, the morning line’s second favorite trained by Brad Cox, played the conditions, hanging back until Paris Lily lost her legs in the deep slush.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
This is a prime opportunity for parents to enjoy a morning ride while grandparents hang back with grandchildren to meet a baby goat, pet friendly pigs and, on select days, collect eggs from the henhouse.
—Margaux Lushing, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hang back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang back
Verb
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Bold moves set you apart, so don’t hesitate to show the world what you’re made of.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
21 Sep. 2025
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When asked about her biggest takeaway from her ex-captain's career, Korda didn't hesitate.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As others faltered, a 3-0 win against Bristol Academy meant Liverpool retained the title, beating Chelsea on goal difference.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
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Coals to Newcastle Mauriss emerged as a surprise contender to acquire Newcastle United in 2019, just as a controversial takeover bid by a Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)-led consortium began to falter.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20back. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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