step back

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

There’s plenty of room to step back and get some perspective. —Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026

Take a step back from self-judgment while the moon faces off with Chiron. —Usa Today, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

Going from the coaching staff to a non-uniformed role would be a step back for someone like Varitek, who would like to be a manager someday. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

Midyear is a great opportunity to step back from day-to-day operations and assess whether your estate and succession plans reflect how your business operates today, and your hopes for the future. —Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

Rhymes for step back

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