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
The mom of three, 45, recently explained why she's taken a step back from acting, during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter as part of the Paley Media Council Series on Thursday, June 5.
—
Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 7 June 2025
Kim stopped flipping the score, stepped back and looked on in awe like the rest of us as Yim roused Opus 75 to its full might.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
However, Musk, who has taken a step back from his work in government, has become increasingly critical of the president's cornerstone legislation in recent days, underscoring divisions within the GOP about the Trump presidency and spending.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Last year was a step back for Bill Self and the Jayhawks, who finished 21-13 and exited the NCAA Tournament in the first round for the first time since 2006.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
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Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 7 June 2025
Kim stopped flipping the score, stepped back and looked on in awe like the rest of us as Yim roused Opus 75 to its full might.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
However, Musk, who has taken a step back from his work in government, has become increasingly critical of the president's cornerstone legislation in recent days, underscoring divisions within the GOP about the Trump presidency and spending.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Last year was a step back for Bill Self and the Jayhawks, who finished 21-13 and exited the NCAA Tournament in the first round for the first time since 2006.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 June 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 11 Jun. 2025.
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