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Definitions

fall back on

VERB
draw on
Synonyms
WEAK
effect employ exploit extract have recourse to make use of rely on require take from
VERB
resort
Synonyms
STRONG
address affect apply devote direct employ exercise frequent go haunt recur repair run try turn use utilize visit
WEAK
avail oneself of benefit by bring into play go to head for look to make use of put to use recur to refer to take up turn to
Antonyms
STRONG
abstain break halt ignore misuse shun stay stop
WEAK
avoid dodge

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Norris never had that to fall back on.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

I knew that some had trust funds to fall back on, or that they were driving cars paid for by their parents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

But winters in the Spiti Valley are long and quiet, with little agricultural work to fall back on.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

In the end, these efforts still fall back on timing and luck, zoo officials say.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

So I fall back on the support networks of my real-life social class, call the dermatologist I know in Key West, and bludgeon him into prescribing something sight unseen.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich