BACKED OFF Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

backed off

verb

past tense of back off

as in backed out

to break a promise or agreement you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 captain backed off, but Curry never forgot the look in his eyes, or the venom in his voice. —

Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 The driver cut through busy intersections even though officers backed off ground units. —

Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 3 June 2026 Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. —

Arkansas Online, 24 May 2026 Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. —

Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 23 May 2026 Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. —

Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 States have also backed off on strict consequences for schools whose students fail to make progress on standardized tests, Kane said. —

ABC News, 13 May 2026 When OutKick asked him directly about his comments, Kerr backed off. —

Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 The younger man backed off and Lacaille drove away. —

Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backed off

Verb

Investors pulled funds from FTX, including Binance, which backed out of a deal to buy FTX.

— Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Delrahim blames merger concerns on fear-mongering, antisemitism Although Netflix backed out of its deal to buy Paramount in February, Delrahim believes Netflix is trying to turn people against Paramount buying WBD.

— Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026