backpedal

verb

back·​ped·​al ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl How to pronounce backpedal (audio)
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals

intransitive verb

: to retreat or move backward

Examples of backpedal in a Sentence

The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.
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.
Other tests showed that models can show what’s called a sycophancy bias — the tendency of an LLM to backpedal on a correct answer to please the user. Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 And without having to backpedal after turnovers, Golden State’s defense swallowed up the Pelicans in the half court. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024 After manufacturers spent the beginning of the decade making ambitious promises about electric vehicle production and sales, many have spent the past few years backpedaling. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024 Frenchman Pascal surrenders to his fears and leaves Joan Pascal has been furiously backpedaling in the Joan stakes as the show has progressed. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backpedal 

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backpedal was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near backpedal

Cite this Entry

“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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