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

This is a rare opportunity to step back in time and escape, just for a few hours, into the whimsical world of a stage designer. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 29 July 2026

In all seriousness, summer is a natural midpoint to step back and pressure-test the annual strategy. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The Kansas City Royals have taken an unexpected step back this season, and a pitching staff that was Kansas City’s strength might need to be rebuilt this winter. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Take a step back from the noise and deal with unfinished business. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Rhymes for step back

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