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

"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

I let my head fall back on my bag thinking about those things.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña

fall back on

Example Sentences

Related Words