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
Their comments drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties, and the administration quickly backtracked.
—
Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Other states that had recently considered creating public options have backtracked.
—Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
Binnington came well out of his crease before backtracking to the top of the blue paint as Nečas barreled in.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
But last week, officials backtracked and announced that INDEC would carry on using the obsolete formula.
—Isabel Debre, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backtrack
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Other states that had recently considered creating public options have backtracked.
—Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
Binnington came well out of his crease before backtracking to the top of the blue paint as Nečas barreled in.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
But last week, officials backtracked and announced that INDEC would carry on using the obsolete formula.
—Isabel Debre, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backtrack
Cite this Entry
“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
