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 couple stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace.
—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
That prompted the Gusman heirs to reclaim ownership of the property, arguing that a reversion clause in the deed had been triggered when the MPA stepped back from managing the building.
—Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
With Banks stepping back into this universe, the final season underscores the show’s deep connection to its roots while pushing the story toward its conclusion.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
The Harry Potter alum, 35, had a wide-ranging conversation with host Jay Shetty for his On Purpose podcast, at one point talking about her day-to-day life now after stepping back from her acting career.
—Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
That prompted the Gusman heirs to reclaim ownership of the property, arguing that a reversion clause in the deed had been triggered when the MPA stepped back from managing the building.
—Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
With Banks stepping back into this universe, the final season underscores the show’s deep connection to its roots while pushing the story toward its conclusion.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
The Harry Potter alum, 35, had a wide-ranging conversation with host Jay Shetty for his On Purpose podcast, at one point talking about her day-to-day life now after stepping back from her acting career.
—Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 2025.
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