step back
phrasal verb
stepped back; stepping back; steps back
: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time so in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way
You need to step back and give yourself some time to work through this.
Examples of step back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Allen is steering the brand’s growth, having taken the reins from founder Emily Amelia Ingles, who stepped back from the venture around 2021.
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Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Two weeks ago, Andrew gave up the use of his titles and honors, more than five years after stepping back as a frontline royal.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
After the 30% Club reached its goal, Morrissey took a step back from her labor of love.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Caitlyn, who had been a staple on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, stepped back as a regular fixture on the family's reality series following their split.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Two weeks ago, Andrew gave up the use of his titles and honors, more than five years after stepping back as a frontline royal.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
After the 30% Club reached its goal, Morrissey took a step back from her labor of love.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Caitlyn, who had been a staple on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, stepped back as a regular fixture on the family's reality series following their split.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
Cite this Entry
“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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