backpedal

verb

back·​ped·​al ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl 

backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals

intransitive verb

: to retreat or move backward

Examples of backpedal in a Sentence

The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.

Recent Examples on the Web

Emmet Sheehan backpedaled down the mound, watching the ball fly just over the left-field wall. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Throughout the hearing, Kaufman tried to backpedal on his comments about vaccines, but his responses were unconvincing. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

News of the fund was greeted with outrage from both Democrats and Republicans on the Hill, and Blanche quickly backpedaled. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

As Masyn Winn hit what would normally be a routine flyball, the Gold Glove defender backpedaled toward the warning track, readjusted and then dove forward onto his right knee to grab the out. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backpedal

• bipedal
• bedell
• heddle
• medal
• meddle
• pedal
• peddle
• wedel
• intermeddle