back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off

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.
The same team saw a Russian man enter his home in Irvine but backed off after three hours parked outside. Elliot Spagat, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 Musk has backed off attacking the administration on X and, in some cases, appears to be fully supporting the White House. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 In both cases, Tibetans immediately backed off. Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025 Discomfort is a sign to back off. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025 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 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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