back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off

intransitive verb

: back down

Synonyms of back off

• back down
• back out
• cop out

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

Despite the tough talk, Beijing has seen the US threaten – and then back off from – sweeping sanctions before. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

After Hotch was able to get Ali to back off, Hotch went further up the structure. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Cinema United, the movie theater trade organization, once vociferously opposed to the merger, backed off Tuesday and called for a settlement to avoid industry uncertainty. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

The Los Angeles district attorney has backed off felony charges against a police officer who secretly recorded his colleagues making racist remarks after facing criticism the response was too harsh and could deter whistleblowers from coming forward. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

back off

verb

: back down