fell back

VERB

retreat

Synonyms

STRONGEST

recede withdraw

WEAK

back draw back give back recoil retire retrocede retrograde surrender yield

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance

WEAK

forge forward progress

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.

Much of that material eventually fell back and accumulated within the basin.

From Science Daily • Jun. 22, 2026

Brent crude oil fell back below $80 a barrel and U.S. stock futures rose in early European trade as further detail on a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran lifted sentiment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

So I fell back into the arms of a proper scorekeeping app.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2026

But they fell back, settling just a touch higher, following reports of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Rapunzel said, her eyes wide as she fell back away from the wolf.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley