back away

verb

backed away; backing away; backs away
Synonyms of back awaynext

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.
Police said one man interfered as officers tried to assist the victim and refused to back away, ignoring multiple warnings. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026 Caulfield said, backing away from the lectern and looking to the other university leaders on stage at UCF’s arena. Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026 The Guardians aren’t backing away from him in the leadoff spot. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 13 May 2026 In that case, don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear and increasing your distance. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026 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 20 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on back away

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster