backed away

verb

past tense of back away
as in withdrew
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 backed away Raman has since backed away from the ban. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026 While some states have backed away from the event, which starts Thursday, Idaho is leaning in. — Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 23 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 Lindsey backed away onto a median and Milligan followed him. — Caroline Zimmerman may 28, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026 Under his leadership, the FDA backed away from a plan in March to ban people under 18 from using tanning beds. — Kff Health News, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 Even before Republican leaders abruptly backed away from redistricting, Wednesday’s special session felt unlike any other. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 18 June 2026 After several hours of station-keeping, Gemini 6—commanded by Wally Schirra, alongside rookie astronaut Tom Stafford—backed away, and began easing down to a lower orbit, preparing to reenter. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 May 2026 But while returning from China aboard Air Force One on Friday, the President backed away from that, while also criticizing Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico, without mentioning the State Representative by name. — May 17, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backed away
  1. withdrew
  2. retreated
  3. retired
  4. dropped back
  5. pulled out
Verb
  • After starring in a slew of movies with each other, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen withdrew from the spotlight to focus on launching The Row, a luxury fashion brand, in 2005.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Del Toro beat him at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes last month before Seixas later withdrew with injury — and UAE domestiques have made it onto the podium before, such as Adam Yates in 2024.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of withdrew
Verb
  • Meghan and Harry retreated from the royal spotlight in 2020, sparking global controversy and dividing opinion in Britain.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • McBreairty then retreated into the riverbed, and SWAT officers were called in to assist with the search, as were members of the Police Department’s Emergency Negotiation Team.
    — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of retreated
Verb
  • Social Security benefits — paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired — are typically scheduled to go out on Wednesdays.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of retired
Verb
  • Advocaat threw his arms in the air, dropped back into his seat, and wept again.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt said cornerback Kelee Ringo shouted out a signal to him before the snap, and Hunt dropped back into coverage and snagged Dalton’s throw.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Definition of dropped back
Verb
  • Years before Travis Kelce knelt to the ground and pulled out a custom ring for Taylor Swift, the Kansas City Chiefs player was just a fan in the stands who was desperate for a meet-and-greet with the superstar.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Several artists, including Martina McBride, Young MC, the Commodores and Bret Michaels, pulled out after being announced or associated with Freedom 250 events.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of pulled out

Browse Nearby Words

backed
backed away
backed down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backed away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backed%20away. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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