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.
The gunman, who fell to the ground in the scuffle, is shown backing away as Ahmed points the weapon at him. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025 This year, as executives backed away from the kind of risky, ambitious programming that marked the last golden age of television, the industry’s decline was evident from its output. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 Ever since reforming their membership a few years back, the Globes have backed away from their particular brand of shamelessness and gotten a little bit hipper. Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025 The victim attempted to back away, but Solarzano stabbed him in the chest, said prosecutors. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025 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 18 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on back away

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