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
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.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is not backing down in its fight against National Public Radio. Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025 Sadie Robertson Huff isn’t backing down from a little backlash. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025 Still, Johnson isn’t backing down. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 The pair then broke into two high-security display cases, snatched various pieces of crown jewels on display, and scurried back down the ladder and escaped. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back down

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20down. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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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