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
On third-and-10, Rodgers caught the snap, took a few steps back, and waited — the offensive line, solid all afternoon, gave him time.
—
Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
But charting a course to maximize those investments requires stepping back for due diligence and strategic planning.
—Ethan Karp, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and announced his step back from royal duties a few days after the explosive interview aired.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Permit Yourself to Say No Sometimes, the most loving choice is stepping back.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step back 
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.
Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
But charting a course to maximize those investments requires stepping back for due diligence and strategic planning.
—Ethan Karp, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and announced his step back from royal duties a few days after the explosive interview aired.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Permit Yourself to Say No Sometimes, the most loving choice is stepping back.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step back
Dictionary Entries Near step back
Cite this Entry
“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share