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
And China has dozens of ways to make life miserable for U.S. companies, who can be relied upon to lobby Washington to back off.
—
Bob Davis, Time, 12 Apr. 2025
Go deeper: China launches massive tariff retaliation on U.S. goods
Trump backs off tariffs, except for China
Editor's note: This story has been updated with developments.
—April Rubin, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
It’s expected to lower rates later this year, but if the rate of inflation increases, the Fed would likely back off – and could increase rates.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Another source said Sörensen backed off the officials once it was explained Bedard had been holding Nemec’s stick.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back off
Bob Davis, Time, 12 Apr. 2025
Go deeper: China launches massive tariff retaliation on U.S. goods
Trump backs off tariffs, except for China
Editor's note: This story has been updated with developments.
—April Rubin, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
It’s expected to lower rates later this year, but if the rate of inflation increases, the Fed would likely back off – and could increase rates.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Another source said Sörensen backed off the officials once it was explained Bedard had been holding Nemec’s stick.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back off
Verb
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Neither side seems ready to back down, and Trump's TikTok deal—which must be approved by the Chinese government—risks further delays the longer negotiations and retaliations drag on.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 Apr. 2025
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Despite past condemnation and public concern, CHI has not backed down from its current legal position.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After initially making a deal with Davis — agreeing to get Cap to sell in exchange for getting him out of prison — Yancy officially backs out of the deal, losing out on $22 million in order to retain the ranch and his relationship with Ellie.—
Francesca Gariano,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Another recruiter tests job seekers on responsibility, asking them to go back out the front door and come in the back through the kitchen.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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About 20 minutes later, the two cops out in front were joined by a third officer.—
Melody Chiu,
People.com,
7 Jan. 2025
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The judges avoid giving critiques to the girls this week but do talk among one another, which is kind of weird but also means that nobody gets to cop out of Rate-a-Queen and just imitate the judges.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20off. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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