backpedal
verb
back·ped·al
ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl 
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals
: to retreat or move backward
Examples of backpedal in a Sentence
The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.
Recent Examples on the Web
Middle linebackers being forced to backpedal or cover sideline to sideline rather than chugging downhill.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
Mahomes backpedaled some 14 yards behind the line of scrimmage and rolled to his right before throwing back deep to his left.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
Even in the state where the treatment began, communities are backpedaling.
—Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025
Ian Flora backpedaled down the hallway of U of L Health's Peace Hospital as a teenage boy walked toward him with his fingers bunched into a tight ball.
—Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
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Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
Mahomes backpedaled some 14 yards behind the line of scrimmage and rolled to his right before throwing back deep to his left.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
Even in the state where the treatment began, communities are backpedaling.
—Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025
Ian Flora backpedaled down the hallway of U of L Health's Peace Hospital as a teenage boy walked toward him with his fingers bunched into a tight ball.
—Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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