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)

Synonyms of back away

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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.
Data center infrastructure — Investors backed away from shares of companies involved in the data center infrastructure industry as concern continued around hyperscaler spending on artificial intelligence. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 24 July 2026 And yet, for the first time in more than a century, the United States is not backing away. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 Zoom isn’t backing away from traditional commercials, says Storin, but sees a need to shift to new tactics as digitally-savvy consumers discover services, products and brands in different ways. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 July 2026 Even as beef prices continue to hit record highs, Burger King is not backing away from burgers. — Hallie Jackson, NBC news, 20 July 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

Rhymes for back away

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Browse Nearby Words

backassward
back away
backbackiri
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Cite this Entry

“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20away. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on back away

Nglish: Translation of back away for Spanish Speakers

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