step back

VERB

recoil

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backfire balk blanch blink cringe demur flinch hesitate reel shudder tremble turn away waver wince

STRONG

blench carom dodge duck falter jerk kick quail quake react rebound resile shake shirk shrink spring start stick stickle swerve withdraw

WEAK

draw back pull back shy away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

steady

STRONG

face meet remain stay

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This trip marks another important step back to full royal duties, with this being described as "taking it up a gear".

From BBC • May 12, 2026

To understand how the U.S. arrived in this predicament, let’s take a step back.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

It was like asking me to step back in time and try to be in a place that already passed.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Whatever the reason behind it, the decision is a drastic step back for Havens’ plans.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

I gently lift Bubbe’s hand from my arm and step back as he comes towards her.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler