step back

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

Somewhere in between is just right, so step back and consider it at various lengths before settling on one. — Amanda Sims, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026

After a few awkward seconds, David steps back over to her, shakes her hand and returns to my side. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, citing intense media scrutiny and a lack of support from the palace. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Gates himself has said philanthropy is no excuse for rich countries to step back. — Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for step back

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