BACK AWAY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

back away

verb

Definition of back away

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of back away But Datko added the coach backed away from the threatened benching. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The trick is to find a way forward that doesn’t make the rest of the business back away in fear. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 According to the sheriff’s office, Thaxton ran towards the caller’s car, causing the driver to back away from him. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026 Prices for diesel, the workhorse fuel that powers trucks, tractors, trains and construction vehicles, hit all-time highs last month but has since backed away a bit. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back away

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away

Verb

Customers could not withdraw or transfer money Tuesday, though most are protected by deposit insurance.

— EMILIO SANABRIA, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
The last time the Legislature withdrew from the rainy day fund was in 2008.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Drunk on pollen and nectar, the bees retreat to their hives for the night, carefully and methodically, as if driven by a higher intelligence, an anonymous architect, or pure chance.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated more than 1,800 points, or more than 3%, and the broad market S&P 500 pulled back more than 4%.

— Sean Conlon,Gina Francolla,Christopher Hayes,Nick Wells, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

Kathleen Wilder in 1980, who retired as a lieutenant colonel, according to the Army Times.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Davis announced plans to retire in July 2025, setting off a frenzied dash of more than a dozen candidates to represent one of America’s bluest congressional districts.

— Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of retire

Verb

Georgia won six of its first seven SEC matches but has dropped back-to-back matches to Texas A&M and Missouri.

— Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 28 Oct. 2026
During the second quarter of this year there were 14 immediate jeopardy findings, representing a spike, but in the third quarter the numbers dropped back down to eight.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of drop back

Browse Nearby Words

back-and-forths

back away

backbeat

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“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of back away

verb

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