step back
verb
stepped back; stepping back; steps back
: to stop doing something or being actively involved in something for a time so in order to think about it and make decisions in a calm and reasonable way
You need to step back and give yourself some time to work through this.
Examples of step back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s not lined up that way, and any step back would have the opposite effect on a fan base that had its faith and hope rewarded this season.
—
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
After the Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles and relocated to California in 2020, Harry has been seen with Peter during funeral events for their grandparents.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
As the interview ended, Tursun gathered herself slowly before stepping back out into the streets of Washington.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
That’s likely because in 2025, the Eagles’ then-offensive coordinator led a unit that took a major step back amid its quest for back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
After the Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles and relocated to California in 2020, Harry has been seen with Peter during funeral events for their grandparents.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
As the interview ended, Tursun gathered herself slowly before stepping back out into the streets of Washington.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
That’s likely because in 2025, the Eagles’ then-offensive coordinator led a unit that took a major step back amid its quest for back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step back
Cite this Entry
“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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