DROPPED BACK Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

dropped back

verb

past tense of drop back

as in withdrew

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of dropped back The price later dropped back down. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 30 Apr. 2026 Advocaat threw his arms in the air, dropped back into his seat, and wept again. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 When the Nissan dropped back, Mulligan signalled once more. — Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 Daily use has dropped back down since the holiday frenzy, according to online news reports. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026 Wilson told the outlet that Junie knows her way home, adding that the cat could be dropped back off at the family's property. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt said cornerback Kelee Ringo shouted out a signal to him before the snap, and Hunt dropped back into coverage and snagged Dalton’s throw. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Ridden Saturday for the first time by jockey Flavien Prat, Commandment dropped back to last in the field of six midway through the 1 1/8-mile stakes, content to allow the others to contest the pace. — Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2026 Past winners Will Power and Josef Newgarden moved into the top two positions after Rosenqvist pitted, but the Swede regained the lead when Newgarden pitted for the first time on Lap 37 and dropped back to 14th. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropped back

Verb

After starring in a slew of movies with each other, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen withdrew from the spotlight to focus on launching The Row, a luxury fashion brand, in 2005.

— Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Del Toro beat him at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes last month before Seixas later withdrew with injury — and UAE domestiques have made it onto the podium before, such as Adam Yates in 2024.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of withdrew

Verb

Meghan and Harry retreated from the royal spotlight in 2020, sparking global controversy and dividing opinion in Britain.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
McBreairty then retreated into the riverbed, and SWAT officers were called in to assist with the search, as were members of the Police Department’s Emergency Negotiation Team.

— Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

Definition of retreated

Verb

Years before Travis Kelce knelt to the ground and pulled out a custom ring for Taylor Swift, the Kansas City Chiefs player was just a fan in the stands who was desperate for a meet-and-greet with the superstar.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Several artists, including Martina McBride, Young MC, the Commodores and Bret Michaels, pulled out after being announced or associated with Freedom 250 events.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026

Definition of pulled out

Verb

Social Security benefits — paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired — are typically scheduled to go out on Wednesdays.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026