back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off
Synonyms of back offnext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And some have backed off from a legal fight altogether and sold their refund rights to investment firms, often at a deep discount, figuring that getting something is better than risk getting nothing. Alison Graham Larson, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026 Less than a month later, TSA committed to boost staffing, and Southwell backed off his threat. Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Treasury yields and the dollar retreated, with traders backing off some of their more hawkish Federal Reserve bets, pricing in a few basis points worth of easing this year. Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 23 Mar. 2026 Some left-wing groups have backed off their insistence on filibuster elimination, at least for now. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back off

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back off was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
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