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
But Montana later moved two hours away from San Francisco to the Napa wine country, forcing him to step back from investing.
—
Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Three top-10 finishers, including a single top-five showing, was a step back after winning consecutive seasons to reach the 16-driver playoffs.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
The Heat also remains firmly against taking a step back just for the opportunity of getting fortunate in the draft lottery to get a top pick.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
The step back from the ice could kick-start that process.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Three top-10 finishers, including a single top-five showing, was a step back after winning consecutive seasons to reach the 16-driver playoffs.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
The Heat also remains firmly against taking a step back just for the opportunity of getting fortunate in the draft lottery to get a top pick.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
The step back from the ice could kick-start that process.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.
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