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
Just the natural result of adding people and products over time without ever stepping back to ask whether the whole thing still made sense.
—
Anatoly Iofe,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The Iranian regime’s apparent hesitancy to resume in-person talks is a significant step back from the high-level talks that took place in Switzerland earlier this month following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the countries.
—
Shannon K. Kingston,
ABC News,
30 June 2026
In 2004, Ashley had her last starring role before stepping back from acting to focus on business endeavors.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
During a neutral rally, that grip and motion usually work best when players can take a few steps back from the baseline.
—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Anatoly Iofe,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The Iranian regime’s apparent hesitancy to resume in-person talks is a significant step back from the high-level talks that took place in Switzerland earlier this month following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the countries.
—
Shannon K. Kingston,
ABC News,
30 June 2026
In 2004, Ashley had her last starring role before stepping back from acting to focus on business endeavors.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
During a neutral rally, that grip and motion usually work best when players can take a few steps back from the baseline.
—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
29 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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