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

Some anonymous electronic musicians, like Burial or the dub-techno artists on Chain Reaction, took a step back from the spotlight in service of letting their work stand on its own. — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026

Much of the value of narrative in human life, its value as a tool for making meaning out of our existence, comes from this step back from the presentness of experience. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026

However, the Royals have taken a step back and been surpassed by multiple teams in their own division. — Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026

Morgan has been outspoken about Harry and Meghan over the years, taking issue with their decision to step back from royal duties, their media projects and their public comments about life within the royal family. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for step back

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