backpedal
verb
back·ped·al
ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl 
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals
: 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
Rather than backpedaling or issuing repetitive apologies, Astronomer embraced self-aware humor, cleverly leveraging the viral attention that could have derailed their brand.
—
Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
But the memo has sparked frustration and backlash across the political spectrum, with critics accusing the administration of backpedaling on its promise of full transparency.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2025
Microsoft is backpedaling on plans to charge $80 for some PC and Xbox games.
—PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
Ann-Katrin Berger is backpedaling and already going down.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
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Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
But the memo has sparked frustration and backlash across the political spectrum, with critics accusing the administration of backpedaling on its promise of full transparency.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2025
Microsoft is backpedaling on plans to charge $80 for some PC and Xbox games.
—PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
Ann-Katrin Berger is backpedaling and already going down.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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