backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak 
backtracked; backtracking; backtracks
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
Rather than backtrack, though, Reddit's CEO doubled down.
—
Kegan Mooney, PCMAG, 18 Sep. 2023
The plaza’s bicycle trail and botanical trail will have a dead end before the hill that leads to the Arch Rock, but guests, both walking and riding a bike, will have an alternate route to loop backtracking to Winnebago Trail near the Arch Rock area.
—Jasmin Barmore, Detroit Free Press, 2 Sep. 2023
One thing to avoid is backtracking on diversity commitments, which some employers have started to do.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2023
Abby Lee Miller is backtracking after dropping something so disturbing that social media wanted to send her back to jail.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
When you’re done, backtrack to cross the suspension bridge, which leads to the last stretch of the trail: a 2.2-mile climb to the stone shelter at the summit of Cape Perpetua.
—oregonlive, 2 Sep. 2023
Yet after lugging her gear onto a municipal bus and then onto the Cabriolet lift that delivers guests to the northernmost base of the country’s largest ski area, Kellner couldn’t backtrack fast enough.
—Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023
DaBaby is no stranger to controversy, having to backtrack some questionable lyrics about JoJo Siwa earlier this year.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023
So kind of like backtrack the ball and start driving it the other way.
—Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2023
See More
Kegan Mooney, PCMAG, 18 Sep. 2023
The plaza’s bicycle trail and botanical trail will have a dead end before the hill that leads to the Arch Rock, but guests, both walking and riding a bike, will have an alternate route to loop backtracking to Winnebago Trail near the Arch Rock area.
—Jasmin Barmore, Detroit Free Press, 2 Sep. 2023
One thing to avoid is backtracking on diversity commitments, which some employers have started to do.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2023
Abby Lee Miller is backtracking after dropping something so disturbing that social media wanted to send her back to jail.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
When you’re done, backtrack to cross the suspension bridge, which leads to the last stretch of the trail: a 2.2-mile climb to the stone shelter at the summit of Cape Perpetua.
—oregonlive, 2 Sep. 2023
Yet after lugging her gear onto a municipal bus and then onto the Cabriolet lift that delivers guests to the northernmost base of the country’s largest ski area, Kellner couldn’t backtrack fast enough.
—Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023
DaBaby is no stranger to controversy, having to backtrack some questionable lyrics about JoJo Siwa earlier this year.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023
So kind of like backtrack the ball and start driving it the other way.
—Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backtrack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near backtrack
Cite this Entry
“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand
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