back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off

intransitive verb

: back down

Synonyms of back off

• back down
• back out
• cop out

Examples of back off in a Sentence

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance

Recent Examples on the Web

When the wind switches or an outside factor becomes evident, Fox will back off his shot. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 20 July 2026

The officers backed off after firing and could see McAlpin was still moving inside the vehicle. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

The Dolphins’ starting inside linebacker never backed off that claim, and never apologized for it either. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Michigan gas prices have been hovering above the national average; even with the state backing off from the usual expensive summer blend fuel requirement for Metro Detroit this summer. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

back off

verb

: back down