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.

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

That same day, UK 10-year gilt yield – a measure of the effective interest rate on a 10-year loan to government – fell back, something attributed to Burnham's attempt to calm markets.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Employment fell back into negative territory in April after reaching a one-year peak in the month prior.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

Slowly, I fell back in the seat and stared straight out the windshield.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings