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
Medical groups representing doctors and patients were dismayed at the agency's decision to back away from tougher regulation of the devices, which are available at tanning salons and some major gym chains.
—
Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
The unidentified man backed away from Martin, still chewing the cigarette, and waved to the camera before the broadcast cut away.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2026
The two-time Oscar nominee had to back away from any consideration for the part due to her future production schedules on Batman II and The Exorcist reboot.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
The following week, the benchmark climbed more than 5% as the White House backed away from the most aggressive proposals.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
The unidentified man backed away from Martin, still chewing the cigarette, and waved to the camera before the broadcast cut away.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2026
The two-time Oscar nominee had to back away from any consideration for the part due to her future production schedules on Batman II and The Exorcist reboot.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
The following week, the benchmark climbed more than 5% as the White House backed away from the most aggressive proposals.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
Verb
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The streaming giant’s stock price doesn’t yet reflect it, but analysts’ uniformly positive reaction is perhaps the biggest vote of confidence by the Street since Netflix last month withdrew its proposal to acquire Warner Bros.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
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If earnings are withdrawn early and don’t qualify for an exception, a 10% additional tax penalty may apply.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The challenge is not to retreat from circulation, but to insist that circulation be thought through, grounded in specific places and their conditions, and accountable, open to friction, contamination, and transformation rather than insulated coherence.—
Manuela Moscoso,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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The neighborhood/area Upscale with large avenues, grand villas, and plenty of greenery, Parioli’s the perfect place to retreat to after a day’s sightseeing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tuesday will be noticeably cooler, with highs falling back into the 40s and low 50s and drier conditions returning late.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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And many middle-aged adults were already enrolled in the lowest-cost plans available, which leaves them without cheaper options to fall back on, said Matt McGough, a policy analyst with KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.—
Tribune News Service,
Boston Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But with Graves set to retire and not seek reelection, Kansas City stands on the brink of losing a seat at one of the most important tables in Congress.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
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Jose Franco retired five batters before leaving with two on.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ridden Saturday for the first time by jockey Flavien Prat, Commandment dropped back to last in the field of six midway through the 1 1/8-mile stakes, content to allow the others to contest the pace.—
Clark Spencer,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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Highs drop back into the 50s, maybe even some 40s, with an unsettled feel and a few more shower chances Thursday into Friday.—
Andrew Kozak,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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