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

If that weren’t enough, after Toronto made a hoop, Salaun drilled another triple to clinch the win, putting her thumb and two fingers in the air on her way back down the court. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

On Tuesday, the roller-coaster ride for AI stocks whipped back down, dragging Wall Street lower. — ABC News, 8 July 2026

Conversely, when things start to cool back down in the fall, the squid are active again. — Matthew Every, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026

The fan spun Duff in a circle before setting her back down as the crowd cheered. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 3 July 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