drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back
Synonyms of drop backnext

intransitive verb

1
: retreat
2
: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage
the quarterback drops back to pass

Synonyms of drop back

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Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seattle accomplishes this by masterfully disguising defensive assignments before the snap, which can force Mahomes to diagnose where to go with the football only after dropping back. — Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 19, 2026 in Santa Clara. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Dyerville Loop Road begins along the Eel River in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, then rises into the foothills of Humboldt County, California before dropping back down to the river near Fort Seward. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Alabama hasn't dropped back-to-back regular season games since 2007. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop back was in 1927

Rhymes for drop back

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Browse Nearby Words

drop a stitch
drop back
drop ball
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Cite this Entry

“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20back. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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