step back
phrasal verb
stepped back; stepping back; steps back
: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time so in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way
You need to step back and give yourself some time to work through this.
Examples of step back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead, the interview was a PR nightmare that forced Andrew to step back from his public royal duties.
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Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2025
After stepping back from public duties in 2002, the duchess, who had a deep passion for music and played the piano, organ and violin, taught the subject at a primary school in Hull, northeastern England, for several years.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
As the dust settles on another chaotic summer of extravagant Premier League spending, there’s time to take a step back.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
The historic buildings are a step back in time but the boutiques, bars, and eateries are deliciously fresh and up to date.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2025
After stepping back from public duties in 2002, the duchess, who had a deep passion for music and played the piano, organ and violin, taught the subject at a primary school in Hull, northeastern England, for several years.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
As the dust settles on another chaotic summer of extravagant Premier League spending, there’s time to take a step back.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
The historic buildings are a step back in time but the boutiques, bars, and eateries are deliciously fresh and up to date.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
Cite this Entry
“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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