backed away

verb

past tense of back away
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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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 backed away All three officers immediately backed away from Morgan, while Kephart retreated next to his patrol car. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 When OpenAI launched its Sora video app last fall with limited likeness protections, SAG-AFTRA condemned it, and OpenAI backed away within days. — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 As a candidate, Hong has not backed away from her calls to defund and abolish the police. — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Over the weekend, most of the AI models have backed away from predictions of storm formation. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 While some states have backed away from the event, which starts Thursday, Idaho is leaning in. — Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2026 Even before Republican leaders abruptly backed away from redistricting, Wednesday’s special session felt unlike any other. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 18 June 2026 Under his leadership, the FDA backed away from a plan in March to ban people under 18 from using tanning beds. — Kff Health News, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 Lindsey backed away onto a median and Milligan followed him. — Caroline Zimmerman may 28, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backed away
  1. withdrew
  2. retreated
  3. retired
  4. dropped back
  5. pulled out
Verb
  • China declared a unilateral ceasefire on November 21 and withdrew from the eastern sector behind the McMahon Line while retaining about 14,700 square miles (38,000 square km) of territory in Aksai Chin.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
  • In July, after the planning commission recommended against rezoning, the developer withdrew its request days before the village board vote.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of withdrew
Verb
  • Kelly, typically a non-demonstrative engineer, retreated to the airplane bathroom and sobbed.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • But instead of pulling back, Elmi says, the founders reinvested their own capital, applied it to operating as an essential business, and secured favorable lease terms and available talent while competitors retreated.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Definition of retreated
Verb
  • Though raced throughout the season, the car was subsequently retired for an extended period because of rule modifications.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 July 2026
  • She was considered more vulnerable than Perdue after being appointed to replace Johnny Isakson, who retired because of health issues.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of retired
Verb
  • The inconsistent Sparks have dropped back-to-back games since firing GM Raegan Pebley.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • No one has dropped back more over the last two years than Nix.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
Definition of dropped back
Verb
  • And although some of the signs are there — prices are rising by the double digits and some insurers have pulled out of the ACA — the good news is there hasn’t been a total rush for the exits.
    — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
  • Both men then pulled out guns and shot each other, police said.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of pulled out

Browse Nearby Words

backed
backed away
backed down
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Cite this Entry

“Backed away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backed%20away. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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