as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back away
In that interaction, forehead-to-forehead with Ayers and then slowly backing away, back to his bench, Hurley never blinked.
—
Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
Then, the crew will manually back away, pause and fly toward specific reflectors on the side of the upper stage.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
And so our coalition, early in Johnson’s administration, met with the mayor and deputy mayor to establish the office through ordinance; since October 2024, the mayor has backed away from the effort and remained silent and nonresponsive about this necessary strategy.
—Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
If bees begin circling or bumping into you, treat it as a warning and back away immediately.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
Then, the crew will manually back away, pause and fly toward specific reflectors on the side of the upper stage.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
And so our coalition, early in Johnson’s administration, met with the mayor and deputy mayor to establish the office through ordinance; since October 2024, the mayor has backed away from the effort and remained silent and nonresponsive about this necessary strategy.
—Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
If bees begin circling or bumping into you, treat it as a warning and back away immediately.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
Verb
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In turn, Canadian prosecutors will withdraw all 14 murder charges laid against Kenneth Law, lawyer Matthew Gourlay told CBC News.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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When the San Francisco Chronicle published its investigation, Swalwell’s campaign collapsed within 48 hours, indicating that the evidence was sufficiently substantial to immediately persuade political allies, campaign chairs, and fellow Democrats to withdraw their support.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As tensions escalate into violence, Tina retreats into the basement, seeking refuge from the chaos above.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
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The carrier retreated to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the island of Crete for maintenance work March 23.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The rec center helps, too, loaded with duckpin bowling, a small cinema, and games so there’s always something to fall back on.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Gravity can cause the tongue and soft palate to fall back and obstruct the airway, making breathing harder.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Rea took the bulk of the innings following lefty Riley Martin’s perfect opening frame that required just six pitches to retire the top of the Phillies’ order.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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The reason many of the remaining adults on Medicaid are not working is that they are retired, serving as a caregiver, or too sick, KFF has found.—
Samantha Liss,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As the crew returns to Earth on Friday, Rise will eventually drop back to the ground to indicate gravity has returned.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
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In the event tanker traffic begins to flow again, West Texas Intermediate oil futures should drop back into the $80s, or possibly $70s, short term.—
Jeff Kilburg,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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