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
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Recent Examples of back away
In that case, don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear and increasing your distance.
—
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026
The nomination signals Trump is backing away from promises to eliminate FEMA, as Hamilton joins a beleaguered agency depleted by staff departures and a 75-day DHS shutdown.
—Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
But there are clear signs that Miller has not backed away from his own views on immigration—including on H-2B visas.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
After several hours of station-keeping, Gemini 6—commanded by Wally Schirra, alongside rookie astronaut Tom Stafford—backed away, and began easing down to a lower orbit, preparing to reenter.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026
The nomination signals Trump is backing away from promises to eliminate FEMA, as Hamilton joins a beleaguered agency depleted by staff departures and a 75-day DHS shutdown.
—Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
But there are clear signs that Miller has not backed away from his own views on immigration—including on H-2B visas.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
After several hours of station-keeping, Gemini 6—commanded by Wally Schirra, alongside rookie astronaut Tom Stafford—backed away, and began easing down to a lower orbit, preparing to reenter.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
Verb
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They were given sixty days to cease operations and withdraw all international staff.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
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Inevitably, Kreutzer’s film was tarnished by association and even withdrawn from cinemas.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Just as people must eventually retreat from outdoor living spaces—whether a porch, lawn, or patio—and head indoors, so too must our things.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
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In an attempt to spark inspiration for a new Little Death origin story, Kris pays a visit to the present-day Billy, played by a regal, knowing Gillian Anderson, who retreated from public life after that first installment and whom Kris hopes to persuade to appear in her reboot.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
Verb
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While more experienced doctors might have the ability to fall back on years of clinical expertise, some worry that reliance on such a medical tool might lead to dependence and misplaced confidence among medical students and junior doctors.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
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The Fed typically looks past temporary price increases that stem from supply disruptions, such as the war’s cutoff of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, because those prices typically level off — or even fall back down — once the supply is restored.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The hard-throwing Gorajski retired 15 of 16 batters, 13 via strikeouts.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2026
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Boone’s words proved prescient, as Weathers, just a tad trimmer, retired 13 straight Baltimore batters following a game-opening walk.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Bonitto, though, explained that Denver already played Elliss at ILB on several third-down packages last year, and lauded his ability to drop back in coverage.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
14 May 2026
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Once the clearance dropped back toward the edge of the area, however, his focus immediately shifted from defending the cross to protecting the goal.—
Matt Pyzdrowski,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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