back away

verb

Definition of back awaynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As the boy backs away, the family's husky mix, Bella, is seen running over from across the yard and chasing the bear away, circling behind the animal and placing itself in between the bear and the boy. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026 Concerns about traumatic brain injuries, underscored by tragedies in which chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is cited as the cause, caused families to back away from football. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Comcast, with its strategic pivot, aims to back away from a combination of content and pay-TV distribution under one roof just as its cable broadband business faces intensifying competition. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 Over the weekend, most of the AI models have backed away from predictions of storm formation. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
  1. withdraw
  2. retreat
  3. fall back
  4. retire
  5. drop back
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  • When asked if the lawsuits involving Davis’ fees would be withdrawn, a spokesperson for Grapevine-Colleyville said the school board is reviewing the invoices, and the district couldn’t speculate before that process is complete.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
  • 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
  • DeChambeau, 32, does have some good recent Open memories to fall back on.
    — Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • To all these worries, add the bullpen, which has fallen back to earth after its club-record 38-inning scoreless streak.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of fall back
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
  • The inconsistent Sparks have dropped back-to-back games since firing GM Raegan Pebley.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • Alex Baena and Lamine Yamal kept Jules Kounde and Lucas Digne on their toes while dropping back to restrict their contributions in the final third.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of drop back

Browse Nearby Words

back-and-forths
back away
backbeat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on back away

Nglish: Translation of back away for Spanish Speakers

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