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
Midway through the show, Cher ditched her icy hair backstage and stepped back out with her famous black tresses.
—
Michelle Lee, People.com, 14 July 2025
The journey to becoming an inclusive leader often demands a paradoxical mindset: embracing vulnerability while wielding influence, and stepping back to uplift others while maintaining one’s own standing.
—Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Take a few steps back, and the loom looks like a miniature suspension bridge – one that carries centuries of history across a span no wider than a yoga mat.
—Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 July 2025
Textor has also stepped back from his role as Lyon’s president, with Michele Kang having assumed the role and played a leading role in the French club’s appeal process.
—Leon Imber, New York Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for step back
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Michelle Lee, People.com, 14 July 2025
The journey to becoming an inclusive leader often demands a paradoxical mindset: embracing vulnerability while wielding influence, and stepping back to uplift others while maintaining one’s own standing.
—Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Take a few steps back, and the loom looks like a miniature suspension bridge – one that carries centuries of history across a span no wider than a yoga mat.
—Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 July 2025
Textor has also stepped back from his role as Lyon’s president, with Michele Kang having assumed the role and played a leading role in the French club’s appeal process.
—Leon Imber, New York Times, 11 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.
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