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

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Triston Casas was set to be the team's future first baseman, but after taking a step back this season before a season-ending injury, his future with the team is uncertain. Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Nov. 2025 This summer, Pablo Kalaka took a step back from what used to be a barren wall on the outside of Bro-Tex. Conor Wight, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025 Please step back and look at what's the best for these kids? Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Michael Ruiz , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 21 Nov. 2025 Tombstone retains the bones of that rowdy era allowing visitors a chance to step back in time. Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step back

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Cite this Entry

“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

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