step back

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

The last time a team in this market intentionally took a major step back (in their case, for payroll purposes), the Marlins lost any traction for attendance, now playing nightly in a mausoleum. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Two steps forward, one step back for New Glenn. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026

When an unexpected opportunity emerges to restore the legendary Cornelia Marie, Jake steps back into the captain’s chair, putting his reputation and his family’s future on the line for one final shot at redemption. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

Rhymes for step back

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback