backed away
Withdrew from position
Backed away describes retreating from something, typically while still facing it.
Physically, you back away from a threat or uncomfortable situation: She backed away slowly from the growling dog.
Figuratively, it means withdrawing from a position, commitment, or confrontation: The company backed away from its earlier promises, He backed away from the argument when things got heated.
- recoiledShrank back suddenly
- retreatedMoved backward from advance
- beat a retreatWithdraw from confrontation
- withdrewPulled out or back
- recededMoved gradually away
flinched · shrank · lost nerve · hesitated · got cold feet · fled · regressed · avoided · yielded · disengaged · faltered · repositioned · estranged · doubted · second-guessed · cooled off · reversed · deferred
backed awayadvanced
Far along in development
moved forward · approached · closed in · leaned in · moved in
backed awayconfronted
Challenged or opposed directly
faced · engaged · stood one's ground · challenged · stood up to
backed awaydoubled down
Strengthened a risky position
pressed on · committed · persisted · dug in · pushed through
back, backed, backing, backs, backside, backyard, backward, backwards, aback