stepped away
- walked offLeft by stepping away
- retreatedMoved backward from advance
- withdrewPulled out or back
- excusedReleased from duty
- pausedStopped temporarily
left · departed · distanced · backed off · took a break · removed · absent · gone · exited · ducked out · slipped away · wandered off · pulled back · disengaged · breathed · break room · doorway · hallway
physical proximity
stepped awayapproached
Moved toward something
stepped up · advanced · closed in · leaned in · moved in
engagement/involvement
stepped awaystepped up
Increased in degree
stepped in · got involved · jumped in · returned · rejoined