as in hesitated
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 hung back
With the entire circumference surrounded by a sea of humanity, Bishnoi hung back, her hands clasped in front of her mouth, while Rai went and lofted the Wanamaker Trophy above his head.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
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
Afterward, while players sat at a long table under one of the baskets, providing autographs for fans, Farokhmanesh hung back.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Seeing the body language of his double-play partner, second baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa hung back as well.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
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
Afterward, while players sat at a long table under one of the baskets, providing autographs for fans, Farokhmanesh hung back.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Seeing the body language of his double-play partner, second baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa hung back as well.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hung back
Verb
-
The couple have since kept a low profile with their relationship, but have not hesitated to show their support for each other on social media and at public events, including the launch party for Holland's non-alcoholic brand Bero in New York City in October 2024.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
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Speaking the day after Orlando was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for a third consecutive season, Weltman hesitated to say whether or not experience would be a deciding factor.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Everlane's finances have faltered in recent years.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
22 May 2026
-
Falter has, well, faltered since coming over to the Royals last year.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hung back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hung%20back. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
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