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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back down
Fortunately, the afternoon brings you back down to earth.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Several families have filed lawsuits against the Eastlands, who for months forged ahead with plans to reopen before ultimately backing down.
—Jim Vertuno, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Vastril confirmed that Saleh never backs down from a challenge.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
That only angered @msgigggles, who apparently refuses to back down until the extended sizes are available at every Walmart across this great land.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back down
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Several families have filed lawsuits against the Eastlands, who for months forged ahead with plans to reopen before ultimately backing down.
—Jim Vertuno, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Vastril confirmed that Saleh never backs down from a challenge.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
That only angered @msgigggles, who apparently refuses to back down until the extended sizes are available at every Walmart across this great land.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back down
Verb
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But by Wednesday night, two artists had already backed out of or turned down the opportunity.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
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But work is being done behind the scenes to make Sacramento a viable candidate again — the city was awarded an MLS expansion in 2019 before the deal fell through in 2021 when investor Ron Burkle backed out of the agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
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But Standin’ on the Corner brought people back off the 40 into our downtown Route 66.—
Joe Yogerst,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
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At times, the piano players in his groups would simply back off during part of Rollins’ solos, loath to risk following the twisting pathways of his improvising.—
Don Heckman,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Verb
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The case, which has only recently come to the attention of POST officials, highlights the limits of state oversight even after lawmakers passed significant police reform aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
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Climb the 900-odd steps (or cop out in a car) for a walk through its eight baroque bastions and some breathtaking views.—
Helen Brown,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Not basketball, after Fiebig recalled trying it and instead finding more joy in sitting on the court.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
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Unabashedly resorty, Orlebar Brown has taken the style in an unexpected direction with a striped navy pattern that recalls a banker’s pinstripes.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20down. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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