Synonyms of backs away

backs away

verb

present tense third-person singular of back away

as in retreats

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)

backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully

Synonyms & Similar Words

• retreats
• withdraws
• drops back
• falls back
• retires
• gives way
• pulls out
• gives ground
• recedes
• flees
• loses ground
• chickens (out)
• evacuates
• backs down
• flies
• leaves
• climbs down
• recoils
• shrinks
• pulls away
• departs
• detaches
• bows out
• flinches
• goes
• abandons
• disengages
• vacates
• backtracks
• quits
• disentangles
• backpedals

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advances
• faces
• breasts
• confronts
• dares
• defies
• brazens
• braves
• outbraves
• beards

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of backs away

It is headed straight toward another SUV, driven by a medic for CHOP security, who immediately throws it in reverse and backs away to avoid the white Jeep, which is coming at it head on. — Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026

As the boy backs away, the family's husky mix, Bella, is seen running over from across the yard and chasing the bear away, circling behind the animal and placing itself in between the bear and the boy. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026

For nearly two agonizing minutes, the bear runs toward her then backs away, rearing up on its hind legs several times, revealing its massive size. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026

The team does an organized shuffle to get things in order, and almost everyone watching with me backs away slightly. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 6 May 2026

Jones then slows down to a walk as Prignano backs away. — Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2026

In instances when an agent approaches, a patroller typically backs away while recording the interaction, video footage posted to Union del Barrio’s YouTube page shows. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

The officer in the black beanie backs away with his gun drawn, though pointed down. — Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

Videos show an officer, who is hovering over the scuffle with his right hand on Pretti’s back, backs away from the group with what appears to be a gun in his right hand just before the first shot. — Hannah Fingerhut, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026