back away

verb

backed away; backing away; backs away

intransitive verb

: to move away (as from a stand on an issue or from a commitment)

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.
However, according to the Wall Street Journal, Musk is now backing away from that idea and is reluctant to alienate powerful Republicans and siphon off GOP voters. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Aug. 2025 Target has also felt the pressure of Trump’s variable tariff policies, and has been hurt by customers boycotting its stores in the wake of the company’s decision earlier this year to back away from DEI initiatives. David Moin, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, what appears to be a Southwest employee wearing a pink polo shirt tells others to back away from the hostile customer. Colson Thayer, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Glenn hasn’t even backed away from doing that, not on any day. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20away. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on back away

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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