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

Signs suggest many Americans have stepped back from the housing market. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

The letter was also sent to Harry and Meghan’s team and upholds Queen Elizabeth’s wishes when Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal roles in 2020. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 8 Sep. 2026

Another stepped back from a student organization and began working more shifts at their job because her parents were afraid to go to work. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026

The busy Fujino has ambition and drive and talent but sometimes needs to settle down, step back, and see things with a fresh eye. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for step back

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