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

He was originally committed to USC but backed off that pledge in May. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Campbell committed to the Hurricanes more than two years before ultimately signing, never backing off his commitment. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026

Latvian intelligence argues that Putin is not only looking for ways to pressure NATO countries to back off Ukraine, but may also be receiving distorted assessments from inside his own system — raising the risk that Russia could misjudge Western resolve. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026

Syria then did and Obama backed off a military response. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 19 June 2026