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

Cotton urges organizations to take a step back and really evaluate what is needed for the role, because not doing so could alienate a large portion of talent. — Mark C. Perna, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Co-created by Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon, Sheridan wrote every episode of season 1 before stepping back from day-to-day writing beginning with season 2. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry's security was downgraded and he is no longer entitled to tax-payer funded security. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026

The feud between Prince William and Prince Harry exploded into public view in 2020, when Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties and moved to her home state of California. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Rhymes for step back

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