Synonyms of back off

back off

verb

as in to back down

to break a promise or agreement

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• back down
• back out
• cop out
• recall
• fink out
• go back on
• withdraw
• chicken (out)
• renege
• retract
• wimp out
• take back
• beg off
• cry off
• backtrack
• unsay
• backpedal
• recant
• forswear
• abjure
• disavow
• abnegate
• repudiate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adhere (to)
• comply (with)
• follow through (with)
• keep
• honor
• satisfy
• fulfill

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of back off

The first time, her 6-year-old child was close to harming our infant daughter, and my husband asked him to back off — not unkindly, and only after giving the neighbor a chance to intercede first. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

The idea isn’t to wall the kitchen back off but to declutter it, giving everyday clutter a place to disappear so the room looks calmer and more polished. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Traoré’s explosive first step gives defenders a reason to back off. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026

In the snap, Yousafzai’s back is to the camera, while Meghan looks down, wearing a white top with her hair pulled back off her face. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 8 Oct. 2026