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.
China has been one of the few countries that hasn't backed down, relying on its economic clout. NPR, 12 Oct. 2025 China has been one of the few countries that hasn’t backed down, relying on its economic clout. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 On Monday, bitcoin topped $125,000 for the first time before settling back down to around $122,000. Robert Frank, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 The tense film is anchored by none other than Keira Knightley, who delivers a layered performance as a woman refusing to back down in the face of injustice. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 10 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 14 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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