BACK (UP OR AWAY) Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

back (up or away)

verb

Definition of back (up or away)

as in to run away

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up or away)

Verb

According to court records, Sevey allegedly began shooting at a group of four people running away, wounding a male juvenile in the leg.

— Harry Harris, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
This is the third incident in the past year in which someone has been killed by a moving vehicle while running away from ICE officers.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of run away

Verb

When asked if the lawsuits involving Davis’ fees would be withdrawn, a spokesperson for Grapevine-Colleyville said the school board is reviewing the invoices, and the district couldn’t speculate before that process is complete.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
The reforms include winding down mRNA vaccine development, withdrawing funding for an international vaccine alliance and tightening access to COVID shots.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

After the Chiefs’ disappointing season last year, a lot of people thought Kelce would retire.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 July 2026
Fricker went on to star in another ITV drama Seekers, 1994 sports comedy Angels in the Outfield, 1997’s Masterminds, and 2011’s Albert Nobbs, before retiring from big-screen roles in 2015.

— Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026

Definition of retire

Verb

About a year’s worth of rain has already fallen in southern Texas and while water levels have receded in some areas, officials urge residents to remain vigilant while heavy showers continue in areas already inundated by torrential rain.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
In Kerrville, the city police department said in a noon update that while high water had mostly receded, the emergency is ongoing, with numerous road and bridge closures.

— Bill Chappell, NPR, 16 July 2026

Definition of recede

Verb

England’s response to taking the lead against Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta was to retreat further and further until Messi’s inevitable impact, setting up goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
All three officers immediately backed away from Morgan, while Kephart retreated next to his patrol car.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

As soon as the duo walked out the door, all script pages that featured the Kardashian scene were ripped away and thrown in a trash can.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
The employee reportedly walked out from behind the counter and shoved his hand away, as briefly seen in the footage.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Definition of walk out

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backup

back (up or away)

backups

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“Back (up or away).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%20or%20away%29. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of back (up or away)

verb

Example Sentences

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