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.

You can’t fall back on that money in an emergency like you could with a retirement account.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Then again, it wouldn’t come with millions of dollars to fall back on, either.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Norris never had that to fall back on.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Plus, there’s HBO’s vast library to fall back on.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

And if by some small chance all of that didn’t work, I’d fall back on what I do best—I would lie.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen