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 Her fiery locks were pulled back away from her face at the top, but still cascaded down her back in soft mermaid waves. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 8 Sep. 2026 Anyone who may see the mountain lion is told to slowly back away and not to run. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2026 Speak in a firm, loud voice and back away slowly, giving the animal a clear escape route. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2026 Traditional fashion media may have backed away from harsh sartorial criticism, but the internet certainly hasn’t. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back away

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away

Verb

The proposal was withdrawn following heavy backlash by Democrats and civil liberties groups, with eventual bipartisan support to delete the clause from a broader bill.

— Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026
Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts—the band Lukas Graham and the singer-songwriters Aaron Rowe and Finneas—and his backing band, the Irish folk troupe Beoga, all withdrew in solidarity.

— Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Then, on the very next series, Philo coolly dropped back on third-and-11 – with the crowd going bonkers – and fired a 20-yard TD strike to Dallas Wilson.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
On 3rd and 5 from West Virginia’s own 38-yard-line, Hawkins dropped back under duress and chucked it up towards the left sideline.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 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 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of back away

verb

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