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Synonyms
Examples of hang back in a Sentence
even though the young mother wanted the job, she still hung back because she wasn't sure if she should spend time away from her family
Recent Examples on the Web
For many global companies and banks, hanging back will be the easiest and safest course of action.
—Eric Lorber, Foreign Affairs, 15 July 2015
Instead, many hide their hearing loss by nodding along in conversation, by hanging back at social gatherings, by staying home.
—Charley Locke, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2024
To avoid interrupting, Tozer decided to hang back and began setting up her own paddleboard, hoping to give them some space.
—Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2024
After the show, attendees were invited to hang back and enjoy an offering of beverages and a BBQ-style cookout, which included burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian options.
—Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hang back
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hang back.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near hang back
Cite this Entry
“Hang back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20back. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
hang back
verb1
: to linger behind others
hung back to wait for the slower children
2
: to be unwilling to do something : hesitate
always hangs back when everyone else is dancing
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