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.
More news to know now Trump backs away from blowing up NATO. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 The company came under criticism from Manchester and Granby residents over proposals in those towns, and has apparently back away from each. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2026 The president has threatened tariffs before only to back away. Josh Boak, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026 The group also faces challenges in local officials’ decisions that slow local transit growth, like scaling back plans for new trolley lines and backing away from ambitious proposals to charge drivers per mile driven to fund transit. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 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 29 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on back away

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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