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.
When officers attempted to have Michael Barrientes Vela back away, his brothers interfered. Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Apr. 2026 When most people stumble across a large population of bees, their first instinct is to back away and find another route. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 If the bear notices you, slowly back away while facing the bear. Devarrick Turner, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 The Georgia General Assembly tried to face the issue this year but backed away at the last minute from a bill that almost passed. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2026.

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