as in to back out
to break a promise or agreement
if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back down
The coming months will show what happens when those two groups decide, together, that backing down is not an option.
—
Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Then, use those same muscles of your arch and big toe to slowly lower the heel back down to the ground.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025
Pale Ale moment: Head back down the mountain to Collins Creek Picnic Area, a shady refuge along a burbling creek perfect for sipping.
—Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 6 June 2025
Deutsche Bank's Binky Chadha is bullish again, confident that the Trump administration will continue to back down on tariffs.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back down
Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Then, use those same muscles of your arch and big toe to slowly lower the heel back down to the ground.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025
Pale Ale moment: Head back down the mountain to Collins Creek Picnic Area, a shady refuge along a burbling creek perfect for sipping.
—Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 6 June 2025
Deutsche Bank's Binky Chadha is bullish again, confident that the Trump administration will continue to back down on tariffs.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back down
Verb
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When Harper asks Pam if anyone ever left the group after just one turn of the Wheel, Pam — a true believer — can’t fathom backing out of the group.—
Jim Ruland,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
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Finding his courage, Spike convinces his mom to follow him back out into the world, hoping to find a cure or simply some kind of explanation.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
18 June 2025
Verb
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With one out and nobody on base, Padres starter Randy Vásquez threw an inside, knee-high heater for ball one, brushing Ohtani back off the plate.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
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On Friday, police Capt. Charles Lara said the department has since backed off that practice in order to come into full compliance with state law known as SB 34, which dictates what can be shared with out-of-state or federal agencies.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2025
Verb
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The relative lack of substance across the board can’t help feeling like a cop out for a show that’s been capable of a lot more.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
14 June 2025
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About 20 minutes later, the two cops out in front were joined by a third officer.—
Melody Chiu,
People.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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These board members are unfit to serve and must be recalled to restore accountability and public confidence.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2025
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Verlander placed on paternity list The Giants placed right-hander Justin Verlander on the paternity list prior to Friday’s game and recalled infielder Brett Wisely from Triple-A Sacramento.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20down. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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