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
Prince Andrew stepped back from his public duties in 2019 following his bombshell interview with the BBC about his ties to Epstein.
—
Stephanie Petit, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Instead, the Sabres took a step back from their point total last season and missed the playoffs for the 14th straight season.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Former President Joe Biden stepped back into the spotlight to rally around what his party sees as threats to Social Security benefits as President Donald Trump’s administration weighs cuts to various parts of the government that Democrats see as a danger to the popular program.
—Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
Target is one of several major corporations, including Walmart and PepsiCo, to step back from DEI in the aftermath of President Trump’s election.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Stephanie Petit, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Instead, the Sabres took a step back from their point total last season and missed the playoffs for the 14th straight season.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Former President Joe Biden stepped back into the spotlight to rally around what his party sees as threats to Social Security benefits as President Donald Trump’s administration weighs cuts to various parts of the government that Democrats see as a danger to the popular program.
—Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
Target is one of several major corporations, including Walmart and PepsiCo, to step back from DEI in the aftermath of President Trump’s election.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
Cite this Entry
“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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