backstepped

Went in reverse

Backstepped is the past tense of backstep, meaning to step backward or retreat.

The word appears in both literal and figurative contexts: She backstepped to avoid the puddle, The company backstepped on its environmental commitments.

Less common than "stepped back" but more compact.

retreat

withdrew

Pulled out or back

retreatedMoved backward from advance
reversedFlipped to opposite orientation
recoiledShrank back suddenly

receded · pulled back · stepped back · backed away · drew back · fell back · yielded · retired · disengaged · backed off

reversal

undid

Reversed or loosened

retractedWithdrew a prior statement
rescindedFormally withdrew or canceled
reversedFlipped to opposite orientation

revoked · recanted · walked back · backtracked · about-faced · flip-flopped · pivoted · corrected · amended · reconsidered

caution

hesitated

Paused from uncertainty

pausedStopped temporarily
reconsideredThought about once more
waveredShowed unsteady resolve

balked · faltered · held back · second-guessed · demurred · hedged · hung back · stalled · temporized · equivocated

dance

chassé

Gliding dance step

grapevineInformal gossip network
box stepRectangular dance footwork
two-stepFast paired ballroom dance

shuffle · sidestep · moonwalk · pivot · glide · slide · footwork · choreography

Opposites

direction of movement

backsteppedadvanced

Far along in development

moved forward · progressed · forged ahead · proceeded · stepped up

Family

backstepping

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G