back down

verb

backed down; backing down; backs down

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from a commitment or position

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 The team immediately made the decision to bring the instrument back down to Earth in the maneuver that culminated in its complete loss. Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2023 Lots of receivers have been taller than him, but Beyer doesn’t back down from the challenge. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023 Criticized for the San Francisco speech, Chaplin did not back down. Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 Netanyahu was forced to back down and temporarily paused the legislation. Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2023 This latest project brings the scope back down to lifelike but retains the same Howitzer-blast level of ha-ha from his MCU joints and Hitler buddy comedies. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2023 Prior to the 2024 show, the Recording Academy winnowed the Big Four categories from 10 back down to eight nominees, and three new categories were added this year: Best Alternative Jazz Album, Best Pop Dance Recording, and Best African Music Performance. Evan Minsker, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2023 Also, the Recording Academy opted to lower the Big Four categories from 10 back down to eight nominees, and added three new categories which includes Best Alternative Jazz Album, Best Pop Dance Recording, and Best African Music Performance. Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023 Once at the altar, the couple recited a series of traditional and original vows to one another before heading back down the aisle as husband and wife. Tricia Despres, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back down was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near back down

Cite this Entry

“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20down. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

back down

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

More from Merriam-Webster on back down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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