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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back off
Those are still higher than the Federal Reserve's goal of 2% inflation, but show improvement after President Donald Trump backed off his most severe tariff proposals.
—
Michele Luhn, CNBC, 10 June 2025
The visit on Thursday is critical for Merz to try on behalf of the 27-member bloc to convince Trump to back off the 50 percent tariffs.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 June 2025
Some Republicans are inclined to agree with a Wall Street Journal editorial arguing that the proposal can succeed — if other countries back off a global tax framework and avoid retaliatory taxes.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
South Florida’s rainy season started off to an unusually wet start, but the downpours are expected to back off for the rest of the week.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back off
Michele Luhn, CNBC, 10 June 2025
The visit on Thursday is critical for Merz to try on behalf of the 27-member bloc to convince Trump to back off the 50 percent tariffs.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 June 2025
Some Republicans are inclined to agree with a Wall Street Journal editorial arguing that the proposal can succeed — if other countries back off a global tax framework and avoid retaliatory taxes.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
South Florida’s rainy season started off to an unusually wet start, but the downpours are expected to back off for the rest of the week.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back off
Verb
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Newton challenged her stance, questioning how her comments aligned with the idea of uplifting women, but Michelle didn’t back down.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
16 June 2025
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That means that for years, garbage trucks had to back down this dead end to make pickups -- a regular, noisy nuisance.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 June 2025
Verb
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When Harper asks Pam if anyone ever left the group after just one turn of the Wheel, Pam — a true believer — can’t fathom backing out of the group.—
Jim Ruland,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
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Finding his courage, Spike convinces his mom to follow him back out into the world, hoping to find a cure or simply some kind of explanation.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
18 June 2025
Verb
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The relative lack of substance across the board can’t help feeling like a cop out for a show that’s been capable of a lot more.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
14 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20off. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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