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
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Recent Examples of back off
Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off.
—
Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 23 May 2026
These grassroots complaints have haunted Cornyn throughout his reelection campaign, leading him to back off his past support of the filibuster.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026
Waiting around and backing off target isn't an option.
—David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
After some convincing, Faye agreed to help, and Alamo backed off.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back off
Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 23 May 2026
These grassroots complaints have haunted Cornyn throughout his reelection campaign, leading him to back off his past support of the filibuster.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026
Waiting around and backing off target isn't an option.
—David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
After some convincing, Faye agreed to help, and Alamo backed off.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back off
Verb
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Jamie Knight-Lebel is going to be a full-time Canada centre-back down the road.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
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This singular event can be the catalyst needed to get oil moving back down and bond yields following, freeing Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to lower rates.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,Zev Fima,
CNBC,
25 May 2026
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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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
Cite this Entry
“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20off. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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