backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

backtracked; backtracking; backtracks

intransitive verb

1

a

: to retrace one's course

b

: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence

2

: to reverse a position

Examples of backtrack in a Sentence

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.

Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.

Recent Examples on the Web

OpenAI backtracked, announcing a new plan earlier this month that would have the nonprofit remain in charge. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025

After financial markets reacted negatively, Trump backtracked on removing Powell, whose term as chairman ends in May 2026. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025

Related Articles Until now exhibitions culminated in Saint Laurent’s studio on the upper floor of the museum, obliging visitors to backtrack toward the exit. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 22 May 2025

The president has been engaged in an on-again, off-again relationship with hitting countries with tariffs before backtracking. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for backtrack

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

1

: to go back over a course or path

2

: to reverse a position or stand