backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

backtracked; backtracking; backtracks

intransitive verb

1

a

: to retrace one's course

b

: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence

2

: to reverse a position

Examples of backtrack in a Sentence

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.

Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The decision angered many engineers who felt Google was backtracking on its ethical assurances. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

However, the agency backtracked and agreed to review the shot after Moderna promised to conduct another study after the shot became available on the market. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

In the case of Meredith and Denton Ryan quarterback Colton Nussmeier, the SEC denied them on gut calls with no real distinct evidence of athletic intent, even though both players’ former coaches were backtracking on previous claims. — Charles Baggarly august 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

The scheduled vote on whether to backtrack the May decision follows intense backlash from national public safety leaders and police unions as violence makes headlines in the Greater Boston Area, including the mass shooting on Memorial Drive. — Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for backtrack

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback
• dieback

Kids Definition

backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

1

: to go back over a course or path

2

: to reverse a position or stand