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
Kevin Garcia directed the new hour, which is described as a step back into a simpler time.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 June 2024
Despite this, the move received pushback from environmentalists and progressives in the state who see it as a step back from an effort to decrease air pollution.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 June 2024
The Princess of Wales, 42, stepped back into the spotlight at Trooping the Colour on June 15, marking her first outing with the royal family since Christmas.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024
When Porzingis went down with a calf injury four games into the playoffs, Horford stepped back into his familiar old role and delivered some of the most resonant performances of the postseason.
—Andrew Callahan, Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for step back 
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 June 2024
Despite this, the move received pushback from environmentalists and progressives in the state who see it as a step back from an effort to decrease air pollution.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 June 2024
The Princess of Wales, 42, stepped back into the spotlight at Trooping the Colour on June 15, marking her first outing with the royal family since Christmas.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024
When Porzingis went down with a calf injury four games into the playoffs, Horford stepped back into his familiar old role and delivered some of the most resonant performances of the postseason.
—Andrew Callahan, Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for step back
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'step back.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Step back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20back. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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