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
He's also joined the royals on their holiday church outings such as Christmas and Easter since stepping back from his royal role.
—
Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Stephanie Arcila, meanwhile, will take a step back this season as Gabriela Perez, appearing only in a guest capacity.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Andrew, 65, denies any wrongdoing, but stepped back from royal duties in 2019, over his Epstein links.
—NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
The United States may be choosing to step back.
—Sergio Alonso Fernández De Córdova Y De Veyga, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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.
Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Stephanie Arcila, meanwhile, will take a step back this season as Gabriela Perez, appearing only in a guest capacity.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Andrew, 65, denies any wrongdoing, but stepped back from royal duties in 2019, over his Epstein links.
—NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
The United States may be choosing to step back.
—Sergio Alonso Fernández De Córdova Y De Veyga, Fortune, 16 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share