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

London — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to move back to Britain, CNN understands, a shock move that comes six years after the couple stepped back from official duties and fell out with other members of the royal family. — Max Foster, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

As Bridgerton fans prepare for a new social season, one fan-favorite will be stepping back from the main ensemble. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Lawson stepping back up to Red Bull means Yuki Tsunoda, who lost his Red Bull seat to Hadjar at the end of last year, will return to the grid by slotting in at Racing Bulls next to rookie Arvid Lindblad. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Define a dollar threshold or a category of decisions your team can make independently, then genuinely step back once that boundary is set. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for step back

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