as in withdrew
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 backed away
The request comes after the Sacramento Zoological Society in April backed away from an agreement to relocate the zoo to Elk Grove.
—
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, the committee backed away from its most controversial proposal that called for states to require those who want a COVID-19 vaccine to get a prescription.
—Will Stone, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the image of Epstein being projected onto Windsor Castle is also uncomfortable for King Charles’ younger brother, Prince Andrew, who backed away from royal life after his connection with Epstein was scrutinized.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
But some have since backed away, discouraged by long product development cycles and inflated early valuations.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Potter was an offensive tackle for Boise State from 2007 to 2011, under head coach Chris Petersen and mainly for OC Bryan Harsin, who never backed away from being tricky.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Sep. 2025
And Bahrain and the UAE – the two Gulf Arab states with diplomatic relations with Israel – have not backed away from their official relationship.
—David Mednicoff, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 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
Trump backed away from sanctions, preferring low-level talks in Istanbul which went nowhere.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, the committee backed away from its most controversial proposal that called for states to require those who want a COVID-19 vaccine to get a prescription.
—Will Stone, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the image of Epstein being projected onto Windsor Castle is also uncomfortable for King Charles’ younger brother, Prince Andrew, who backed away from royal life after his connection with Epstein was scrutinized.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
But some have since backed away, discouraged by long product development cycles and inflated early valuations.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Potter was an offensive tackle for Boise State from 2007 to 2011, under head coach Chris Petersen and mainly for OC Bryan Harsin, who never backed away from being tricky.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Sep. 2025
And Bahrain and the UAE – the two Gulf Arab states with diplomatic relations with Israel – have not backed away from their official relationship.
—David Mednicoff, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 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
Trump backed away from sanctions, preferring low-level talks in Istanbul which went nowhere.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backed away
Verb
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However, as part of that deal, Yellow would pay 100 percent if the company withdrew from the plans.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Sep. 2025
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The zoo withdrew blood plasma from Ruth, who was part of a zoo donor program.—
Don Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the clip, the puppy dashed toward his new little friend; at first the Chihuahua retreated, stuck his tongue out and paw up, and then bounded toward him.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Instead of developing arguments or persuading people, both sides have retreated to their silos and erected their own media echo chambers.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Martinez retired from coaching at Oakmont last year and is in his final year as a physical education teacher.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Stengel, who had no children, retired to and died in California and made his name in New York and around the nation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Facing third and goal, Wells dropped back and decided to tuck the ball, dodging two defenders on his way to a seven-yard touchdown run.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Sep. 2025
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In the third quarter, Bryce Young dropped back and under pressure lobbed the ball about 35 yards in McMillan’s general direction.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Diane pulled out a sheet from a stack of papers, and it was all crumpled up with the lyrics to the song.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
23 Sep. 2025
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Others pulled out the cameras to make comical content regarding the looming doomsday.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backed away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backed%20away. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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