backed off

past tense of back off

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backed off The Houthis had backed off any attacks on shipping in the Red Sea since Israel and Hamas came to a ceasefire to end their two-year war last fall. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 July 2026 In a 2025 report issued on Tuesday, the intelligence agency said there were no indications that the party had backed off its problematic views. ABC News, 3 July 2026 He was originally committed to USC but backed off that pledge in May. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Syria then did and Obama backed off a military response. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 19 June 2026 Bessent backed off the idea amid criticism. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 17 June 2026 Johnson quickly backed off the purchase attempt days after it was first reported, despite reports that Morgan Stanley lifted the confidentiality limits. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 Just this week, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean backed off a plan to raise property taxes above 3%. Idaho Statesman, 15 June 2026 Later, Russia backed off, citing the need to conduct additional measurements and inspections of areas where leaks were occurring. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backed off
Verb
  • In May, a slew of musicians who were slated to perform at Freedom 250's 16-day state fair event backed out, with some citing politics.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The actor was a replacement after Madonna backed out, leaving the proto-rave tune one of the era’s most unlikely collaborations.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Three people had apparently been killed, but the men behind the coup had backed down and Gorbachev was being released.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
  • The conflict threatened to explode again on Monday, when Iran and Israel fired missiles at each other before both sides backed down.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backed off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backed%20off. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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