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
Relevance
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
Prosecutors point to messages from June 13 allegedly exchanged between Rincker and Alvarez after the group appeared to back away from plans to target the UFC event.
—
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
If a bear sees you, back away slowly.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Big Oil is not backing away from renewables because the energy transition has stopped.
—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
As the officers ask Marseille to put the dog away, bodycam video shows the second officer unholstering his gun and backing away from the barking dog.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
If a bear sees you, back away slowly.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Big Oil is not backing away from renewables because the energy transition has stopped.
—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
As the officers ask Marseille to put the dog away, bodycam video shows the second officer unholstering his gun and backing away from the barking dog.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
Verb
-
Ballot measure proponents had a Thursday evening deadline to withdraw their proposals.
-
Patients might be women in their 30s with an autoimmune disease like lupus or people of any age exposed to such toxins as methamphetamines or, in the past, the fen-phen appetite suppressant drug of the 1990s, later withdrawn after being linked to heart disease.
Verb
-
With a spacious design, durable construction, and charming look, it’s bound to be your go-to retreat for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening relaxing.
-
Ultimately, this is not a signal that leaders should retreat from cloud strategies.
Verb
-
Stock surged in SpaceX's first two full days as a public company, with the market cap surpassing Amazon and — briefly — Microsoft on Tuesday, before falling back below both.
-
Those who cannot twerk usually fall back on sticking their tongues down each other’s throats, because this is Love Island, after all.
Verb
-
Anguay succeeds Paul Lau, a 45-year veteran of the utility who in January announced his intention to retire.
-
Lord retired the first two batters in the ninth before Turner singled and Marsh homered to right.
Verb
-
By the weekend, high temps will drop back into the 80s.
-
The Griz constantly pumps the rod to get his bait darting forward and then dropping back.
Cite this Entry
“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
