as in to backtrack
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 backpedal
Redondo-Rosales backpedaled as officers closed in to grab him and swung a hat in the direction of an officer’s face, according to the video.
—
James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
The pollsters miss the polls, the networks can’t agree on the facts, and Trump’s government is backpedaling on two centuries’ worth of scientific consensus.
—Zoë Bernard, Vanity Fair, 11 Feb. 2026
Many will dismiss Trump’s moves, even the DHS investigation, as backpedaling to shore up poll numbers.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Quarterback Bo Nix, in a sight much too frequent in the 19-3 win, was left to backpedal for his life and loft a duck of an incompletion.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
The pollsters miss the polls, the networks can’t agree on the facts, and Trump’s government is backpedaling on two centuries’ worth of scientific consensus.
—Zoë Bernard, Vanity Fair, 11 Feb. 2026
Many will dismiss Trump’s moves, even the DHS investigation, as backpedaling to shore up poll numbers.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Quarterback Bo Nix, in a sight much too frequent in the 19-3 win, was left to backpedal for his life and loft a duck of an incompletion.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedal
Verb
-
However, Melton appeared to backtrack just a bit.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
-
When the agency seemed to backtrack, later proposing a purely functional bridge with no design flourishes as an option, city officials sued.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Initially hidden, the rotary controller—emblazoned with the Spirit of Ecstasy icon—is revealed when the armrest retracts upon entry.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Self-retracting nozzles are the most hygienic.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Hundreds were executed and countless others were forced to recant their faith.—
Adam Duxter,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
On the night he was arrested, Martinez confessed to shaking Heather and banging her head against a crib, but later recanted that confession.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
