back down

verb

backed down; backing down; backs down

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from a commitment or position

Synonyms of back down

• back out
• back off
• cop out
• recall

Examples of back down in a Sentence

if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date

Recent Examples on the Web

Casey’s refusal to back down has earned him some powerful friends, like Governor Maura Healey, the chief executive of his home state. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026

When anglers reel up a snapper from deep water, the fish’s swim bladder often expands, leaving it unable to swim back down. — Tovar Cerulli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Week 7 brought her back down to a 26, but ultimately, Stiles and Sosa were safe from elimination. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026

Customize the lampshade A reflective material inside the shade will help cast light back down toward the table, Groves points out, while perforated shades will turn any bulb into a twinkly light (if that’s your prerogative). — Amanda Sims, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

back down

verb

: to retreat from a stand one has taken or from a challenge one has accepted