as in to backtrack
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Recent Examples of backpedal
In the 12th minute, as one of Luton’s numerous aerial missiles dropped into the Leeds area, the goalkeeper had to backpedal under his crossbar, with attackers closing in, and caught confidently.
—
Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
In an era where many institutions backpedal under political pressure, Johnson refuses to stay silent.
—Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
Fear of litigation, activist investor scrutiny and political pressure has caused companies to backpedal or keep their initiatives below the radar, said Jon Solorzano, an attorney at Vinson & Elkins who advises companies on DEI.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
Goldman Sachs is the latest finance giant to backpedal from diversity promises.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
In an era where many institutions backpedal under political pressure, Johnson refuses to stay silent.
—Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
Fear of litigation, activist investor scrutiny and political pressure has caused companies to backpedal or keep their initiatives below the radar, said Jon Solorzano, an attorney at Vinson & Elkins who advises companies on DEI.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
Goldman Sachs is the latest finance giant to backpedal from diversity promises.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedal
Verb
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On April 25, the Trump administration backtracked on its order to terminate student visas, a court filing shows.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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For students taking English 1 — typically ninth graders — the increase seen from October to December backtracked by the time spring testing took place.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers These best-selling markers feature a cone tip that allows for both fine lines and broad strokes, and they can be retracted with a simple click, so there’s no need to hunt down missing caps.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
People.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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The driver had a difficult time retracting the ramp and after several tries got it on the bus, but the bus would not start.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Among Western scholars, some former supporters emerged to recant their previous statements.—
Ray Cavanaugh,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
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For one, his stats came directly from DOGE (which has recanted several claims).—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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