as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of back away
By now, Switzerland, Belgium, and Japan have all backed away from their phaseout goals.
—
Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
When lawmakers voted to overturn Yoon’s surprise decree, security forces backed away.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
But there’s something abject about taking up such a fraught subject, wringing every ounce of suspense and dramatic potential out of it, and then backing away as though Tim’s arc is just another story of sad enlightenment.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
But there’s something abject about taking up such a fraught subject, wringing every ounce of suspense and dramatic potential out of it, and then backing away as though Tim’s arc is just another story of sad enlightenment.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back away
Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
When lawmakers voted to overturn Yoon’s surprise decree, security forces backed away.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
But there’s something abject about taking up such a fraught subject, wringing every ounce of suspense and dramatic potential out of it, and then backing away as though Tim’s arc is just another story of sad enlightenment.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
But there’s something abject about taking up such a fraught subject, wringing every ounce of suspense and dramatic potential out of it, and then backing away as though Tim’s arc is just another story of sad enlightenment.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back away
Verb
-
Rather than a gradual strengthening of local capacity as a way of reimagining how the global development industry operates, the Trump administration’s proposals simply withdraw federal support.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Receiver Ny Carr, who entered the transfer portal a week ago, has withdrawn and is returning to Miami, 247 Sports reported.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Yankees’ second baseman then threw his helmet before retreating to the clubhouse.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Instead of an opportunity to gawk and marvel, The Silent Twins presents these two sisters — who retreated inside themselves and spoke only to each other for years — with a sense of complete individuality and autonomy.—
Barry Levitt,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Justin Rose made a birdie at the 16th hole minutes later, while McIlroy bogeyed 14 to fall back into second place.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
-
At least three old satellites or rocket bodies fall back to Earth every day, a new report reveals.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Rodgers, 41, continues to weigh his options, which include signing with the quarterback-needy Steelers or retiring after 20 NFL seasons.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor will retire at the end of his most recent term at the end of June, state officials said Tuesday.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The bitcoin price, which soared in the aftermath of president Donald Trump’s November U.S. election victory, has dropped back as fears swirl U.S. tariffs could hit the global economy—with some analysts warning a recent bitcoin price plunge could be just getting started.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The still image above helps to capture several of the issues at hand for City’s wide players in recent weeks, from a lack of overlapping runs by makeshift or inverted full-backs to the sheer number of bodies opposing teams are routinely able to drop back into defensive positions.—
Thom Harris,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20away. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share