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 suspect slowed to a stop near what looked to be a homeless encampment near Bellingham Avenue, Vantage Avenue and Sylvan Street in North Hollywood, at which point an unknown woman approached the passenger side of the car until police told her to back away. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026 Medical groups representing doctors and patients were dismayed at the agency's decision to back away from tougher regulation of the devices, which are available at tanning salons and some major gym chains. Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026 The unidentified man backed away from Martin, still chewing the cigarette, and waved to the camera before the broadcast cut away. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2026 The two-time Oscar nominee had to back away from any consideration for the part due to her future production schedules on Batman II and The Exorcist reboot. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20away. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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