BACKING (UP OR AWAY) Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

backing (up or away)

verb

Definition of backing (up or away)

present participle of back (up or away)

as in running away

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for backing (up or away)

Verb

Security camera footage shows the shocking moment flood water crashes through the Nepal-China border area, with people seen running away as the water appears to wipe out everything in its path.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
After nine consecutive losses against the Minnesota Lynx, the Valkyries finally broke through on Monday night in Minneapolis, setting the tone early and running away with the game late in the fourth quarter en route to a 80-66 win.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of running away

Verb

During this period, Obayuwana allegedly tried to cash at least three Treasury tax refund checks worth $382,109 and was successful in cashing one, withdrawing $229,109, federal authorities allege.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Mementum is trying to run from that fight by withdrawing its letter.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of withdrawing

Verb

The sellers, who are retiring, bought the retail space from The Arlington’s original developers back in 2007, Walker said.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
After retiring the first batter, Palencia, in a scary moment, hit the Diamondbacks’ Jordan Lawlar in the head with his pitch.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of retiring

Verb

With his hair receding, Jordan shaved his head clean in 1989 and turned the look into one of the most recognisable images in sport.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Authorities in Hungary closed Budapest’s Margaret Bridge after a bomb dating from World War II emerged at its base in receding water.

— Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of receding

Verb

Stepping into the public sphere rather than retreating became both a survival strategy and a refuge—an assertion of political and artistic self-determination.

— Elisa R. Linn, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
The player reported that the man had opened a knife and moved toward him before retreating into his room.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreating

Verb

Just as Alcaraz took the long view with his wrist injury, pulling out of tournaments early and ramping up his comeback slowly, for Sinner, there is no reward in risk.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Some winemakers are reacting by pulling out vineyards, changing their grape varieties, moving further north or introducing irrigation systems.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of pulling out

Verb

Smoke from wildfires may lower air quality during the day, clearing out overnight as the storm system moves in.

— Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026
His team began clearing out an informal dump site, eventually transforming it into a community garden.

— Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of clearing out

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backing (up)

backing (up or away)

backland

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“Backing (up or away).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backing%20%28up%20or%20away%29. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of backing (up or away)

verb

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