as in to backtrack
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Recent Examples of backpedal
Liberal media figures, including HBO’s Bill Maher, have preached backpedaling on the issue too.
—
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024
In an era where many institutions backpedal under political pressure, Johnson refuses to stay silent.
—Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump has threatened and backpedaled on imposing tariffs repeatedly since taking office.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
The player starts in his position at one of the outside cones, facing the coach, before backpedaling straight back for 5 yards and then breaking diagonally to the next cone.
—Rj Kraft, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024
In an era where many institutions backpedal under political pressure, Johnson refuses to stay silent.
—Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump has threatened and backpedaled on imposing tariffs repeatedly since taking office.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
The player starts in his position at one of the outside cones, facing the coach, before backpedaling straight back for 5 yards and then breaking diagonally to the next cone.
—Rj Kraft, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedal
Verb
-
Bolden backtracked, caught the ball, then housed the return.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
Some businesses might be forced to backtrack on their activism because of pressure from corporate owners.—
Edward Segal,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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There's a cover that retracts automatically when the pet with the collar approaches the stainless steel food bowl, and everything can be controlled and monitored through the app.—
Molly Higgins,
Wired News,
9 May 2025
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There are also a range of niceties, including room to sleep four people, a bed that retracts to reveal a workspace, and a functional kitchen.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
One eyewitness to the crime later recanted his testimony.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2025
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Among Western scholars, some former supporters emerged to recant their previous statements.—
Ray Cavanaugh,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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