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
Ultimately, the committee backed away from its most controversial proposal that called for states to require those who want a COVID-19 vaccine to get a prescription.
—
Will Stone, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
In that case, don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear and increasing your distance.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
My vision blurred for a second, my body wanted to panic, and every instinct screamed to back away.
—Aslak De Silva, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Potter was an offensive tackle for Boise State from 2007 to 2011, under head coach Chris Petersen and mainly for OC Bryan Harsin, who never backed away from being tricky.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back away
Will Stone, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
In that case, don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear and increasing your distance.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
My vision blurred for a second, my body wanted to panic, and every instinct screamed to back away.
—Aslak De Silva, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Potter was an offensive tackle for Boise State from 2007 to 2011, under head coach Chris Petersen and mainly for OC Bryan Harsin, who never backed away from being tricky.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
Verb
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An alternative to leaving PJM entirely would be to withdraw from participating in the supply auctions to procure supplies for Maryland through bilateral contracts, possibly by teaming up with neighboring states, according to Charkoudian.—
Tyler Kendall,
Fortune,
22 Sep. 2025
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However, as part of that deal, Yellow would pay 100 percent if the company withdrew from the plans.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Mike Bailey delivered a superkick to Dax Harwood, and Kevin Knight hit Cash Wheeler with a dropkick, sending FTR and Stokely retreating and ending the chaotic confrontation.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
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When the sun sets, retreat to the hot tub.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a tough East, the Red Wings fall back down to the basement, putting the Yzerplan on life support.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
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Baby Steps doesn't go quite that hard, giving players occasional major checkpoints and large, flat plains that prevent you from falling back too far.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ali retired from boxing undefeated with a perfect 24-0 professional record, including 21 knockouts, and remains a defining figure in women’s sports.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Canadian treasure, who played the Darth Vader–esque Dark Helmet in the original franchise, retired from acting in the ’90s after his wife died of cancer.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Facing third and goal, Wells dropped back and decided to tuck the ball, dodging two defenders on his way to a seven-yard touchdown run.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Sep. 2025
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In the third quarter, Bryce Young dropped back and under pressure lobbed the ball about 35 yards in McMillan’s general direction.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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