step back

phrasal 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
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.
King Charles urged to 'step back' following hospitalization Royal broadcaster Neil Sean discusses King Charles' condition after he was briefly hospitalized for side effects related to his cancer treatment. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025 In December 2023, the designer stepped back from his namesake company to focus more on art. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 26 Mar. 2025 Try stepping back, traveling, or testing a semi-retired lifestyle. Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 LeBron James is stepping back into the podcasting game alongside a new voice. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step back

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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