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
His administration began backpedaling amid the criticism, though, seeking the release of some grand jury records.
—
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Instead, while backpedaling, Sabalenka put the ball into the net, giving Anisimova a break chance.
—Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Heartbroken at Bonnaroo: Artists, fans react to abrupt cancellation, 'this was gonna be a special one'
The festival later backpedaled and offered a 100% refund.
—Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025
In 2025, companies that once made public commitments to racial justice are staying quiet—or backpedaling.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
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Zac Anderson, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Instead, while backpedaling, Sabalenka put the ball into the net, giving Anisimova a break chance.
—Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Heartbroken at Bonnaroo: Artists, fans react to abrupt cancellation, 'this was gonna be a special one'
The festival later backpedaled and offered a 100% refund.
—Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025
In 2025, companies that once made public commitments to racial justice are staying quiet—or backpedaling.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 15 Aug. 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 17 Sep. 2025.
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