as in to backtrack
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Recent Examples of backpedal
Middle linebackers being forced to backpedal or cover sideline to sideline rather than chugging downhill.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
Even in the state where the treatment began, communities are backpedaling.
—Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025
At a time when plus-size fashion faces shrinking rack space and industry backpedaling, ELOQUII’s decision to snatch the spotlight felt both bold and necessary.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Ian Flora backpedaled down the hallway of U of L Health's Peace Hospital as a teenage boy walked toward him with his fingers bunched into a tight ball.
—Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
Even in the state where the treatment began, communities are backpedaling.
—Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025
At a time when plus-size fashion faces shrinking rack space and industry backpedaling, ELOQUII’s decision to snatch the spotlight felt both bold and necessary.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Ian Flora backpedaled down the hallway of U of L Health's Peace Hospital as a teenage boy walked toward him with his fingers bunched into a tight ball.
—Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedal
Verb
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However, the Trump administration has since backtracked.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Oct. 2025
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The Trump administration was forced to backtrack the president's previous claim that the Roosevelt-era wing of the historic building wouldn't be affected by the new construction.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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De Blasio responded with shock, demanding The Times retract the story.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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The Democrat has since faced calls from Republicans to drop out of the state attorney general race, though many Democrats and his corporate donors have not retracted their support.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But Forrester later recanted, and failed polygraph tests — and no charges were filed.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
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Some accusers changed their minds and recanted.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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