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

While his kids and social media may deter him from stepping back into the ballroom, Chmerkovskiy says that his dance abilities and physical fitness aren't factors in that decision. —Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

November 2019 saw his infamous interview with Newsnight, following fresh allegations about Epstein that forced him to step back from royal duties. —Lori A Bashian , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Chair Jerome Powell suggested at a news conference that after six rate cuts in the past two years, the central bank can step back and see how hiring and inflation develop. —Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025

After more than 30 years, Warren and Jill Schimpff are stepping back as Steve and Beth Shepherd become the fifth generation to run the candy store. —Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for step back

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