Synonyms of back away

back away

verb

as in to withdraw

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)

backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• retreat
• fall back
• retire
• drop back
• pull out
• give way
• lose ground
• recede
• flee
• give ground
• evacuate
• back down
• fly
• chicken (out)
• climb down
• pull away
• leave
• shrink
• bow out
• recoil
• depart
• detach
• flinch
• go
• abandon
• disengage
• disentangle
• vacate
• quit
• backtrack
• backpedal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• face
• breast
• confront
• dare
• beard
• defy
• brave
• outbrave
• brazen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of back away

It is headed straight toward another SUV, driven by a medic for CHOP security, who immediately throws it in reverse and backs away to avoid the white Jeep, which is coming at it head on. — Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026

Her golden blonde hair was pulled back away from her face with some face-framing tendrils, appearing to reference her iconic ‘90s updo. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026

After questioning Comey and his wife, the Secret Service backed away from opening a full investigation. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

As Rocket Lab’s Puma backed away, True Anomaly’s Jackal executed more burns to reengage and image its prey. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026