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.
Warnke slowly backed away, hoping the bear hadn't noticed her. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 About 10 seconds after the first officer approached, Villegas Gonzalez put his car in reverse and backed away from them. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 According to the sheriff’s office, Thaxton ran towards the caller’s car, causing the driver to back away from him. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026 Prices for diesel, the workhorse fuel that powers trucks, tractors, trains and construction vehicles, hit all-time highs last month but has since backed away a bit. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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