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.
At times, the piano players in his groups would simply back off during part of Rollins’ solos, loath to risk following the twisting pathways of his improvising. Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. Arkansas Online, 24 May 2026 Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 23 May 2026 These grassroots complaints have haunted Cornyn throughout his reelection campaign, leading him to back off his past support of the filibuster. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 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 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
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