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

Benson argued that Talarico is trying to backtrack from previous statements he’s made, and said that Talarico questioned where accusations of him being a vegan came from. — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2026

The mayor eventually backtracked, but only after 18 people died because, yet again, ideology came first. — Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026

Now, the company is trying to get the government to backtrack. — Caitlin Babcock, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026

Georgia lawmakers backtracked on redistricting plans. — David Hickey, NBC news, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for backtrack

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

Kids Definition

backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

1

: to go back over a course or path

2

: to reverse a position or stand