as in to backtrack
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Recent Examples of backpedal
To make matters worse, the boss frequently would backpedal into the blind spot of whichever camera was attempting to show the action.
—
David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro was backpedaling when the puck hopped over his stick and continued right into Robertson’s path for a clean look on Merzlikins.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Amid the purge, the Trump administration laid off more than 300 probationary NNSA employees, only to backpedal and bring almost all of them back days later.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
As in other areas of this administration’s first 100 days, the execution of tariff policy has been chaotic and poorly thought through, leading to conflicting messaging and backpedaling.
—The Editors, National Review, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro was backpedaling when the puck hopped over his stick and continued right into Robertson’s path for a clean look on Merzlikins.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Amid the purge, the Trump administration laid off more than 300 probationary NNSA employees, only to backpedal and bring almost all of them back days later.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
As in other areas of this administration’s first 100 days, the execution of tariff policy has been chaotic and poorly thought through, leading to conflicting messaging and backpedaling.
—The Editors, National Review, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedal
Verb
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There was confusion surrounding a potential verdict in the Karen Read murder trial Wednesday, according to Judge Beverly Cannone, who called the sides back around 2 p.m. only to tell them jurors had backtracked.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
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The president has since backtracked on the initial announcement, but the U.S. tariff policy remains in flux.—
Sonam Sheth
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Trade with Mexico has been robust – and the U.S. deficit with Mexico has swollen as China’s has retracted.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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But at the last moment, as the path between the two structures is retracting, Gi-hun jumps over and begins to fight Myung-gi to the death with the knife he’s had in his possession, as the baby lies off to the side.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
27 June 2025
Verb
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During the trial, several witnesses recanted prior statements, alleging threatening, intimidating and coercive efforts by Foster and Brian Forberg, the two detectives assigned to the case.—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2025
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Shortly after, serial killer Ottis Toole reportedly confessed to kidnapping and murdering Adam, later recanting his confession.—
Stephanie Kaloi,
People.com,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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