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

Never again tanking and intentionally taking steps back with the hope of a brighter future. 2). —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025

But in February, Broccoli and her producing partner Michael G. Wilson stepped back from the franchise and handed creative control to Amazon, leaving it unclear what the casting criteria will be under the new leadership. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025

This isn’t about stepping back or settling for less. —Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

There is no other way to cast the trade of Haywood other than a step back for the Heat’s defense. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025

Rhymes for step back

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback