back away

verb

backed away; backing away; backs away

intransitive verb

: to move away (as from a stand on an issue or from a commitment)

Examples of back away in a Sentence

backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Despite modest hits like 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002) and Hollywood Homicide (2003), Hartnett largely backed away from the spotlight for a time. Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The manufacturers backed away from the deals, however, after Trump moved to end the nuclear accord. Matthew Lee and Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 Kevin Hassett, chair of the White House National Economic Council, backed away from his previous concerns about Powell’s firing and said the White House was looking for ways to replace the Fed chief. Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 According to police, the clerk backed away from the counter, prompting the suspect to shoot at a stack of soda 12-packs. Rhiannon Saegert, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back away

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back away was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20away. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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