back down

verb

backed down; backing down; backs down
Synonyms of back downnext

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from a commitment or position

Examples of back down in a Sentence

if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date
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.
Brazil went right back down the pitch and earned a penalty kick after Endrick came together with defender Josip Sutalo. Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026 Artemis astronauts will splash back down to Earth Like Apollo, the Artemis mission ends with a splashdown homecoming into the Pacific. Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026 Tehran shows no signs of backing down. Michael Loria, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 In Alexandria, for instance, councilors recently tried to raise utility costs 60% to fund a clean water project, but after dozens of residents packed a city council meeting to complain, leaders backed down. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back down

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back down was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20down. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

back down

verb
: to retreat from a stand one has taken or from a challenge one has accepted

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