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

There was confusion surrounding a potential verdict in the Karen Read murder trial Wednesday, according to Judge Beverly Cannone, who called the sides back around 2 p.m. only to tell them jurors had backtracked. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025

The president has since backtracked on the initial announcement, but the U.S. tariff policy remains in flux. —Sonam Sheth gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

Most have backtracked on once-ambitious plans to convert their lineups to electrics. —Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 13 June 2025

Ono seemed to backtrack on his record at Michigan during the board’s questioning, but many on social media noted that flip-flopping on key issues wasn’t likely to win over people on either side of culture-war debates. —Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 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