Synonyms of back away

back away

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• retreat
• fall back
• retire
• drop back
• pull out
• give way
• lose ground
• recede
• flee
• give ground
• evacuate
• back down
• fly
• chicken (out)
• climb down
• pull away
• leave
• shrink
• bow out
• recoil
• depart
• detach
• flinch
• go
• abandon
• disengage
• disentangle
• vacate
• quit
• backtrack
• backpedal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• face
• breast
• confront
• dare
• beard
• defy
• brave
• outbrave
• brazen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of back away

And the Justice Department has backed away from the federal government’s long-standing interpretation of a landmark Supreme Court ruling protecting the right of disabled people to receive services in their communities. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026

Her fiery locks were pulled back away from her face at the top, but still cascaded down her back in soft mermaid waves. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 8 Sep. 2026

Anyone who may see the mountain lion is told to slowly back away and not to run. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2026

Speak in a firm, loud voice and back away slowly, giving the animal a clear escape route. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2026