as in backing out
to break a promise or agreement
if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date
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Recent Examples of backing down
In fact Putin’s history of backing down from threats points to vulnerabilities beneath the surface.
—
Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backing down
Verb
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Early decision is not a legal contract, but there can be serious consequences from backing out of acceptance.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
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When backing out the federal business, the rest of world security order growth increased by double digits in the fourth quarter.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Hendrickson had previously asked to be traded during the offseason before backing off, and now the team is reportedly open to trade offers for him.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
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Up next, is Elon Musk already backing off his promise to launch a third party?—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backing down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backing%20down. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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