OpenSynonym

backed away

/bækt əˈweɪ/

VERB

1. To move backward or retreat

To move backward or increase one's distance from a person, object, or situation, often because of fear, danger, discomfort, or uncertainty.

1.1. Physical retreat from danger or threat

Describes moving backward or withdrawing from someone or something perceived as threatening, dangerous, or frightening.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The frightened dog backed away when the stranger approached.
  • She backed away from the edge after noticing how steep the drop was.
  • The soldiers backed away as the fire spread toward their position.

Related Words

1.2. Withdrawing from an uncomfortable situation

Describes distancing oneself from an interaction, relationship, or situation that causes discomfort, embarrassment, or emotional unease.

Synonyms

  • withdrew
  • disengaged
  • pulled away
  • detached
  • bowed out
  • left
  • retired

Antonyms

Examples

  • She backed away from the conversation when it became too personal.
  • He gradually backed away from the friendship after several disagreements.
  • The employee backed away from the heated discussion to avoid further conflict.

Related Words

  • disassociated
  • distanced
  • avoided
  • departed
  • disconnected
  • hesitated
  • hesitation

VERB

2. To withdraw from a position or commitment

To abandon a previously expressed position, decision, claim, or commitment, particularly when faced with opposition or pressure.

2.1. Yielding to opposition or pressure

Describes giving up resistance, conceding a position, or retreating from a disagreement after facing opposition or strong pressure.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • stood firm
  • resisted
  • defied
  • confronted
  • persisted
  • held out

Examples

  • The company backed away from its original proposal after employees protested.
  • The politician backed away from the controversial statement under public pressure.
  • Neither side wanted to back away from its demands during the negotiations.

Related Words

2.2. Retracting a claim or changing a position

Refers to withdrawing a previously stated opinion, assertion, or position after reconsideration or when challenged by new information.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The spokesperson backed away from the earlier claim after the evidence emerged.
  • He backed away from his initial position during the interview.
  • The organization backed away from its previous announcement.

Related Words

  • retraction
  • revision
  • correction
  • admission
  • statement
  • assertion
  • reconsideration

2.3. Abandoning a plan or commitment

Describes withdrawing from an intended activity, arrangement, or commitment rather than proceeding with it.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • proceeded
  • continued
  • committed
  • followed through

Examples

  • The investor backed away from the deal before the contract was signed.
  • The organization backed away from its plans to expand overseas.
  • Several participants backed away from the project after the costs increased.

Related Words