Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for pullback. Search instead for pullbacks.
Synonyms

pullback

American  
[pool-bak] / ˈpʊlˌbæk /

noun

  1. the act of pulling back, especially a retreat or a strategic withdrawal of troops; pullout.

  2. that which pulls something back or impedes its forward movement.

  3. Machinery. a device for pulling a moving part to its original position.


Etymology

Origin of pullback

First recorded in 1585–95; noun use of verb phrase pull back

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.

During Nike’s earnings call on Tuesday, management-team members indicated they hadn’t yet seen signs of a consumer pullback in North America due to higher gas prices and the conflict in the Middle East.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The pullback is being felt across the auto industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Kelly believes a recent pullback for the stock linked to a Google AI tool to cut memory usage was likely overdone.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

In early March, there was a light volume pullback to the newly formed 50-day simple moving average, which created the handle.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

I've had a hard pullback, but all is not lost.

From Joe's Luck Always Wide Awake by Alger, Horatio