backtracks; backtracked; backtracking
1
: to go back over a course or path
The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.
2
: to return to something that was mentioned before
Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.
3
: to completely change what you think or say about something
Voters lost confidence in him when he backtracked on the issues. [=when he reversed his position on the issues]
Cite this Entry
“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/backtrack. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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