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

"I've got an understanding that quite a few guys in the dressing room won't have that to fall back on," said Stokes.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

Market bubbles can be difficult to identify and predict, as the BIS researchers noted, though analysts often fall back on statistical approaches that focus on “explosive behavior” in how asset prices move.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

I guess they’ve had to fall back on a melange, whatever they could scrounge or salvage.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

fall back on

Example Sentences

Related Words