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 Los Angeles district attorney has backed off felony charges against a police officer who secretly recorded his colleagues making racist remarks after facing criticism the response was too harsh and could deter whistleblowers from coming forward. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Cunningham has not backed off her stance despite the criticism. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

The stock saw a record high close in June before backing off. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

By midmorning, as investors digested all of this data, bond traders backed off from betting that the Fed would hike rates this year. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026