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

The new posters arrive as Grande prepares to take part in the film’s promotional campaign this fall, despite previously announcing plans to step back from the public eye following her Eternal Sunshine tour. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026

After many fans online questioned the sincerity of Art of Play’s statement, Clarkson herself stepped back into the fray. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Solomon stepped back from performing at public events in 2023, citing the media attention surrounding his DJ career became a distraction. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Dempsey stepped back from full-time driving after 2015 to focus on acting and family but continued as a team owner. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for step back

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