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back down

verb

backed down; backing down; backs down
Synonyms of back downnext

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.
But looking over at this man’s phone knocked her back down. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 Dec. 2025 Another blast of colder air will bring the Midwest and Northeast back down to near freezing high temps and near to below zero low temperatures by Monday. Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2025 But the pendulum is expected to swing back in the other direction late next year as the supply chain adjusts, according to Popal and Wang, potentially bringing prices back down or at least capping increases. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 But Hegseth has given little quarter to his opponents and shows no signs of resigning or even backing down on any of the issues. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 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 9 Dec. 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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