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

Syncing your bank account, accounting software and payment system ensures your books stay clean and up to date without manual data entry or backtracking. —Nick Chandi, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Trump quickly backtracked, saying Powell—who was first appointed by the president in his first term—will sit out his term, due to finish in 2026. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 June 2025

Musk also backtracked from his threat to begin decommissioning the Dragon spacecraft, currently the only way for the US government to send people to the International Space Station. —ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025

Last month, the Trump administration announced and then backtracked on a decision to bar Harvard University from allowing international students to enroll at the university. —Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 4 June 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