backing (up or away)

verb

Definition of backing (up or away)next
present participle of back (up or away)
as in running away

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backing (up or away)
  1. running away
  2. walking out
  3. withdrawing
  4. retiring
  5. receding
  6. retreating
  7. pulling out
  8. clearing out
Verb
  • Mass shootings are rare in Poland Videos posted on social media by witnesses show people running away from the square to take cover on small streets nearby, as well as first responders trying to resuscitate victims.
    — Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Toney was running away from defenders all season and running toward the Heisman Trophy.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of running away
Verb
  • These days, walking out of a Rolex boutique with one seems nearly impossible.
    — Zach Weiss, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026
  • A week later, however, Ronaldo apologized to his teammates for walking out and expressed his desire to continue playing for the national team.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of walking out
Verb
  • The city would also be prohibited from withdrawing more than 50% of the amount of money in the fund unless the mayor certifies that there is a compelling fiscal need.
    — Digital Producer, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Uganda is withdrawing troops deployed for years in Somalia under an African Union peacekeeping force that helped repel militants in the Horn of Africa nation, military authorities said on Monday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of withdrawing
Verb
  • While the youngest retiring age, 62, could receive up to $2,969 per month, a recipient who waited until 70 years old could receive up to $5,181 per month, according to the Social Security Administration.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026
  • But as a result of the election last week, the House Republican conference is smaller, with a disproportionate number of moderates and swing-district lawmakers retiring or voted out.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of retiring
Verb
  • There is the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau on an island in the Loire Valley, plagued by flooding, as well as the opposite—receding water levels that expose its wooden, foundational beams to air and decomposition.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Neeley said the floodwaters were receding but left mud and silt, much of which has been contaminated with sewage because of failures at waste plants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of receding
Verb
  • Shy, retreating Minnie was happy to bask in Callie’s light, while Helen’s existence was almost entirely dedicated to her only daughter.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The actual battle had ended with Glover’s men retreating across the Hutchinson River.
    — Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of retreating
Verb
  • The abrupt development came on the heels of BC Partners pulling out of its arrangement to invest $300 million into the LIV Golf League after a simple head count made clear not enough of the circuit’s top golfers planned to return in 2027.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • National groups from both parties began pulling out of the race earlier this month, signaling that both now view the contest as less competitive than previously thought.
    — Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pulling out
Verb
  • What’s more, rain can actually help keep your unit clean by clearing out small debris that naturally collects, says TJ Laury, president of Ben’s ProServ.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The Marlins exercised ace Sandy Alcantara’s $21 million team option for 2027 on Friday while also clearing out space on their 40-man roster for potential additions.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of clearing out
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.

Browse Nearby Words

backing (up)
backing (up or away)
backland
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backing (up or away).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backing%20%28up%20or%20away%29. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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