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

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

Don’t even think about backing off to change gear or grabbing some clutch. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Uzbekistan went close to an equaliser before Jaminton Campaz scored in stoppage time, immediately followed by a shot at the other end that thundered back off the crossbar. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 11 July 2026

According to attorney Justin Smith, Erickson’s representative on the recount board, each candidate’s personal legal counsel needs to back off. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 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