as in to back out
to break a promise or agreement
if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back down
Refusing to back down, Jones took the challenge public.
—
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
Meanwhile, Khamenei must now consider backing down as never before.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
The same for policing; now that crime has been pushed back down, it must be kept that way.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
Our original itinerary involved an ambitious first day: 23 miles from Newfound Gap to Cosby Knob Shelter, with several thousand feet up and back down.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back down
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
Meanwhile, Khamenei must now consider backing down as never before.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
The same for policing; now that crime has been pushed back down, it must be kept that way.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
Our original itinerary involved an ambitious first day: 23 miles from Newfound Gap to Cosby Knob Shelter, with several thousand feet up and back down.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back down
Verb
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Now, folks heading to Shenandoah National Park or beyond can grab some gas, hit the jerky wall, nab a Dr Pepper Icee, load up on fudge, use the famously clean bathrooms, and stock up on Buc-ee’s merch before heading back out on the road.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
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The episode then ends with a surprise twist after Issa backs out and Paul Baker ends up getting hitched to Anton, with the two sharing a loving kiss after growing closer to each other all season.—
Stacy Lambe,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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White said Thursday air conditioning restored at the first building later shut back off, and that only half of the units in the second building had their air switched on at all.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
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The talks between Russia, Ukraine and third countries have struggled to make progress after Moscow refused to back off its maximalist demands and presented a ceasefire proposal that would essentially amount to Ukraine’s capitulation.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
26 June 2025
Verb
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But with that brief wave of hope came new footage on Twitter every night of the NYPD acting like bad cops out of a Harvey Keitel flick: cops harassing peaceful crowds, cops kettling activists, cops literally driving a car into a crowd of protestors.—
Maris Kreizman,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
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The relative lack of substance across the board can’t help feeling like a cop out for a show that’s been capable of a lot more.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
14 June 2025
Verb
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These board members are unfit to serve and must be recalled to restore accountability and public confidence.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2025
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Verlander placed on paternity list The Giants placed right-hander Justin Verlander on the paternity list prior to Friday’s game and recalled infielder Brett Wisely from Triple-A Sacramento.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20down. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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