back away

verb

backed away; backing away; backs away
Synonyms of back awaynext

intransitive verb

: to move away (as from a stand on an issue or from a commitment)

Examples of back away in a Sentence

backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a nation backing away from previous diversity commitments, there is little societal pressure for NFL owners to be better. Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026 Firefighters arrived several minutes after the blaze began, but backed away after a few protesters blocked their truck from reaching the loading dock. Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 In some cases, extra vigilance means that faculty have backed away from initial commitments. Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 30 Jan. 2026 Four more followed, and the agents appeared to back away before firing additional shots toward Pretti. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back away

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back away was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20away. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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