as in withdrawing
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 backing away
So far, however, Manhattan’s wealthiest buyers don’t appear to be backing away.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Six years later, several governments are backing away from their commitments.
—Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
Despite the carnage, traders aren't backing away from this space.
—Tyler Bailey, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Instead, officials advised making loud noises, making your body appear bigger while slowly backing away, and calling 911 immediately if a person is attacked.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Private lenders aren’t filling the gap Direct lenders, the private credit funds that might once have stepped in, are backing away too.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
The statement came amid reports that the DOJ was backing away from the fund.
—Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 1 June 2026
Trump’s favorite hometown newspaper — backing away from his previous support of the filibuster.
—Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
Moreover, DeSantis isn’t backing away from his support for Bell.
—Gray Rohrer, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Six years later, several governments are backing away from their commitments.
—Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
Despite the carnage, traders aren't backing away from this space.
—Tyler Bailey, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Instead, officials advised making loud noises, making your body appear bigger while slowly backing away, and calling 911 immediately if a person is attacked.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Private lenders aren’t filling the gap Direct lenders, the private credit funds that might once have stepped in, are backing away too.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
The statement came amid reports that the DOJ was backing away from the fund.
—Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 1 June 2026
Trump’s favorite hometown newspaper — backing away from his previous support of the filibuster.
—Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
Moreover, DeSantis isn’t backing away from his support for Bell.
—Gray Rohrer, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backing away
Verb
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While conventional wisdom had long been that consumers should build up a certain level of savings — six months' worth of living expenses, for example — those who study the accounts now consider saving to be a dynamic process of paying in, withdrawing, and then replenishing.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
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The military held a similar security strip from 1985 until 2000, before withdrawing after years of steady casualties, a toll that is accumulating once again.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Verb
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That may help to explain why premium spirits brands are not retreating in the face of no-and-low.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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But retreating indoors can come at a cost.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
Verb
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And long-term oil prices, which is the biggest influence on the price of gas, don’t show signs of falling back below the pre-war $70 a barrel level any time before the next decade.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
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Goldberg said as the audience cheered over the news, eventually falling back in her chair in shock.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Kramer agreed, crediting facility partners at Sporting Kansas City, the KC Current, the University of Kansas and the $20-million Swope Soccer Village for pulling out the stops to attract the world’s best teams.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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An unidentified man wearing blue basketball shorts and a Knicks hat was spotted in a video obtained by ABC News getting down on one knee, pulling out a red box and holding up a ring.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The Griz constantly pumps the rod to get his bait darting forward and then dropping back.—
Alex Robinson,
Outdoor Life,
18 June 2026
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Vingegaard, in his first day in the pink jersey, alongside Jayco AlUla’s Ben O’Connor and Lidl-Trek’s home hero Giulio Ciccone led discussions with the commissaires, with the Dane dropping back to the organisers’ car with 50km (31 miles) remaining to lead discussions.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Verb
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Matthews responded by retiring Tommy Edman for the first time in three at-bats and striking out backup catcher Chuckie Robinson.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
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In the 7th Congressional District, Mamdani is backing Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, who is vying to take over retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez's seat.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backing away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backing%20away. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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