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hanging back

ADJECTIVE

hesitant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid averse doubtful halting indecisive loath reluctant shy skeptical slow tentative timid unsure unwilling

WEAK

backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubting faltering half-hearted hesitating irresolute lacking confidence lazy uneager unpredictable vacillating wavering

Antonyms

STRONGEST

believing bold brave certain confident decisive definite eager extroverted fearless ready sure willing

WEAK

resolute unhesitant unwavering

ADJECTIVE

reluctant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid averse cautious circumspect hesitant loath shy slow squeamish uncertain wary

WEAK

backward calculating chary demurring diffident discouraged disheartened disinclined grudging hesitating indisposed involuntary laggard opposed queasy recalcitrant remiss slack tardy uneager

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold careless certain definite heedless incautious indiscreet rash ready sure uncareful willing

WEAK

anxious eager enthusiastic

ADJECTIVE

vacillant

Synonyms

WEAK

afraid averse backward dawdling delaying diffident disinclined doubtful doubting faltering half-hearted halting hesitating indecisive irresolute lacking confidence lazy loath pendulous reluctant shilly-shally shy skeptical slow tentative timid uneager unpredictable unsure unwilling vacillating vacillatory wavering

ADJECTIVE

vacillatory

Synonyms

WEAK

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.

Gordon, who graduated from the local Otis Art Institute and now calls L.A. home, stopped by briefly, hanging back incognito in a “Ballroom Marfa” baseball cap and shades.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2023

Big Oil is hanging back, watching while wildcatters take on the risky exploratory work.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 15, 2023

Body camera footage released so far has shown him hanging back at a doorway, not entering the building.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2022

The 1-3-1 uses one man up high to pressure the puck carrier, one hanging back and three players in between them to clog up attacking formations in the neutral zone.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 26, 2022

And as Genie was saying it, hoping it would guilt Tess and Ernie into hanging back, the lovebirds grabbed hands and headed for the door.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

hanging back

Example Sentences

Related Words