backed down

past tense of back down

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 down But the Academy eventually backed down from that idea after the WGA and DGA took issue with the Emmy proposals; the Academy’s director and writer peer groups drafted a compromise. Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 July 2026 Blanche backed down and said the Justice Department would not implement the fund. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 Three people had apparently been killed, but the men behind the coup had backed down and Gorbachev was being released. 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 Wednesday, a white van backed down the driveway. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Turner eventually backed down, deciding the colorization process was not cost-efficient. Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 6 May 2026 Benavidez, even when being backed down by Ramirez, delivered his signature rapid-fire combinations, usually pelting his opponent's head. ABC News, 3 May 2026 The Republican House leader backed down after Senate GOP leaders agreed to quickly move forward with the reconciliation bill. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backed down
Verb
  • The officers backed off after firing and could see McAlpin was still moving inside the vehicle.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • The Dolphins’ starting inside linebacker never backed off that claim, and never apologized for it either.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Commercial shipping trackers said several tankers loaded with Saudi oil backed out of the waterway to avoid attack.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026
  • The artist briefly backed out, leading the cast and crew to use Saturday Night Live cast member Fred Armisen, who impersonated Prince on the sketch show, in a table read.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backed down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backed%20down. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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