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
The iconic WarGames Matches are returning for the fourth consecutive year, and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is preparing to step back inside the double cage for the second time in his career.
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Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
How Inter Miami got the Eastern Conference Final After winning the Supporters' Shield in 2024, Inter Miami took a bit of a step back this season, but still finished 19-7-8 (65 points).
—Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025
The Cardinals could take a step back in 2026 now that Gray is in Boston.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Nov. 2025
For Kiss, the procedure enabled her to step back in time.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
How Inter Miami got the Eastern Conference Final After winning the Supporters' Shield in 2024, Inter Miami took a bit of a step back this season, but still finished 19-7-8 (65 points).
—Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025
The Cardinals could take a step back in 2026 now that Gray is in Boston.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Nov. 2025
For Kiss, the procedure enabled her to step back in time.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 2025.
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