back away

verb

backed away; backing away; backs away
Synonyms of back awaynext

intransitive verb

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

Synonyms of back away

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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.
While some states have backed away from the event, which starts Thursday, Idaho is leaning in. — Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2026 The video shows the Waymo standing its ground in the lane, and even pulling forward as the firetruck tried to back away from the Waymo. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Over the weekend, most of the AI models have backed away from predictions of storm formation. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 For nearly two agonizing minutes, the bear runs toward her then backs away, rearing up on its hind legs several times, revealing its massive size. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 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

Rhymes for back away

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Browse Nearby Words

backassward
back away
backbackiri
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Cite this Entry

“Back away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20away. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on back away

Nglish: Translation of back away for Spanish Speakers

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