Synonyms of back down

back down

verb

as in to back out

to break a promise or agreement

if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of back down

The ball falls to Andersen, who attempts to play a first-time pass back down the line. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Gauff did not back down, clawing back to break back and make it 5-4. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

The episode will likely add to the tensions, Koh said, as Teodoro's confrontation probably galvanized public support at home, while Beijing won't back down either. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026

Tehran has no intention of backing down in the face of an American naval blockade and attacks on its oil tankers, said the official, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive matters. — Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026