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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Recent Examples of back away
But the proper response to that difficulty isn’t to back away.
—
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Once Kefalos backed away, her dog put herself under the bed and started running around again.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
The cops hilariously back away from the band, in terror, never having seen or heard a scene like this before, because nobody ever has.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025
If team owners could influence scorekeeping, fans would lose interest, players would be demoralized and sponsors would back away as public trust collapses.
—Brent Dykes, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back away
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Once Kefalos backed away, her dog put herself under the bed and started running around again.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
The cops hilariously back away from the band, in terror, never having seen or heard a scene like this before, because nobody ever has.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025
If team owners could influence scorekeeping, fans would lose interest, players would be demoralized and sponsors would back away as public trust collapses.
—Brent Dykes, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
Verb
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The reaction to this was dynamic, which for some meant withdrawing from opportunities and for others contributed to burnout and decisions to leave their jobs altogether.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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But Russia's prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, signed a decree proposed by the Cabinet on August 25 to withdraw from the convention, and Putin has now submitted this to the Duma, which is likely to rubber stamp it.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Like, say, where the Chiefs looked eager to retreat — the locker room.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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Afterward, retreat to the spa’s relaxation lounge—where a glowing copper teardrop floats above cedar banquettes—while next door, the subterranean fitness center boasts Technogym gear and treadmills—all below the waterline.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ejecta from Nix and Hydra may fall back onto the surface to create a centimeters-thick layer of dust over time.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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Bitcoin has lost steam from its recent rally, falling back from an all-time high of $124,000 per bitcoin amid a sudden crisis at the Federal Reserve.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In the first inning, Cameron retired his first two batters before Luis Rengifo tagged him with a three-run homer.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
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Messi is expected to play through the 2026 World Cup and is in negotiations to extend his Inter Miami contract at least through the 2026 season but will likely retire before the 2030 World Cup.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Borralho dropped back to 185 pounds for his UFC debut in April 2011.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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Bullock, who had a fine game otherwise, dropped back, didn’t see an open man and took a sack for a 15-yard loss rather than throw the ball away.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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