backpedal

verb

Definition of backpedalnext
as in to backtrack

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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 In follow-up interviews, Grede has declined to backpedal. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026 But leaders shouldn’t backpedal on criminal justice reforms. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 Facing pressure from New England, Jarrett Stidham was backpedaling on third down and tried to throw a chest pass. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 25 Jan. 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
  1. backtrack
  2. retract
  3. recant
Verb
  • Following fury from the English and Mexican Football Associations, FIFA may have to backtrack on its apparent plan to move the time of the England-Mexico game.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • Benson argued that Talarico is trying to backtrack from previous statements he’s made, and said that Talarico questioned where accusations of him being a vegan came from.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2026
Definition of backtrack
Verb
  • As soon as the error was realized, the story was retracted and removed from NPR’s website and an on-air correction was broadcast.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • At least one publication—Vox—followed NPR’s reporting and also had to retract a story.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026
Definition of retract
Verb
  • In addition, investigators working for Duncan’s legal team interviewed a jailhouse informant who recanted his earlier trial testimony that Duncan had confessed to the crime.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 29 June 2026
  • At least three people were arrested and police said at least four others have recanted.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
Definition of recant

Browse Nearby Words

backpacks
backpedal
backpedaled
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Cite this Entry

“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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