backs away

verb

present tense third-person singular of back away
as in retreats
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) backed away from the snake very slowly and carefully

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backs away It is headed straight toward another SUV, driven by a medic for CHOP security, who immediately throws it in reverse and backs away to avoid the white Jeep, which is coming at it head on. — Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026 As the boy backs away, the family's husky mix, Bella, is seen running over from across the yard and chasing the bear away, circling behind the animal and placing itself in between the bear and the boy. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026 For nearly two agonizing minutes, the bear runs toward her then backs away, rearing up on its hind legs several times, revealing its massive size. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 The team does an organized shuffle to get things in order, and almost everyone watching with me backs away slightly. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 6 May 2026 Jones then slows down to a walk as Prignano backs away. — Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2026 In instances when an agent approaches, a patroller typically backs away while recording the interaction, video footage posted to Union del Barrio’s YouTube page shows. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 The officer in the black beanie backs away with his gun drawn, though pointed down. — Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026 Videos show an officer, who is hovering over the scuffle with his right hand on Pretti’s back, backs away from the group with what appears to be a gun in his right hand just before the first shot. — Hannah Fingerhut, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backs away
  1. retreats
  2. withdraws
  3. drops back
  4. falls back
  5. retires
Verb
  • With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Twice a day, the tide retreats from the shoreline, sometimes for up to two miles.
    — Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of retreats
Verb
  • However, if Miller withdraws after Monday, Republicans would reportedly have no nominee to replace him on the ballot.
    — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
  • If a friend withdraws, reach out softly and offer clear help without pressure.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of withdraws
Verb
  • Szoboszlai has much better access to Yoane Wissa in the space that opens up as Gravenberch pushes forward and Wirtz drops back to cover (no doubt after a half-time reminder about the importance of covering the space).
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • After the front, the humidity drops back off the scale, meaning that Thursday and Friday will be very comfy and dry.
    — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Definition of drops back
Verb
  • County Commissioner Alexandra Davis warned there is no guarantee services will be less expensive for cities if fire-rescue falls back under county control.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The additional allowances are available only until the price falls back below the threshold, or the reserve of extra allowances is depleted.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of falls back
Verb
  • Robinson retires with 565 catches, 7,058 yards, and 43 touchdowns.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • When a buyback operation retires $4 billion of 30-year bonds, that borrowing need grows by $4 billion, and with coupon auction sizes frozen, the marginal instrument is the bill.
    — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of retires

Browse Nearby Words

backs
backs away
backs down
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Cite this Entry

“Backs away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backs%20away. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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