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
Tampa Bay’s offensive line is banged up, and the running scheme has taken a step back this year without Liam Coen, but White should be considered an RB2 this week, assuming Irving is out.
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Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The Hermit is your permission slip to step back and reconnect with what matters most to you, especially when no one is watching.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
But that doesn’t mean they’re fixed or that the last few weeks haven’t felt like the two have taken one step forward and two steps back with this new attempt at reconciliation.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 1 Oct. 2025
Think twice before committing, and don’t hesitate to take a step back to recharge your batteries if needed.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The Hermit is your permission slip to step back and reconnect with what matters most to you, especially when no one is watching.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
But that doesn’t mean they’re fixed or that the last few weeks haven’t felt like the two have taken one step forward and two steps back with this new attempt at reconciliation.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 1 Oct. 2025
Think twice before committing, and don’t hesitate to take a step back to recharge your batteries if needed.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 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 6 Oct. 2025.
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