backpedaled

verb

past tense of backpedal
as in backtracked

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedaled
  1. backtracked
  2. retracted
  3. recanted
Verb
  • Seconds later, Flore backtracked, called the foul on the floor, then backtracked his backtrack and reverted to his initial call.
    — CJ Moore, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Definition of backtracked
Verb
  • And not all of the proofs were certified as correct by the automatic logic verification platform Lean—in fact, some have already been retracted after outside scientists found mistakes.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
  • When the refill is retracted, the Telegraph Key can also be pressed repeatedly, turning the mechanism into a satisfying tactile interaction even when the pen is not being used for writing.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of retracted
Verb
  • Greenspan protested the inaccuracies in subsequent filings, and Tinubu’s team later recanted the claims.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Now, Carter is submitting a new appeal after Jane Doe fully recanted her claims last week.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of recanted
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.

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backpedal
backpedaled
backpedaling
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Cite this Entry

“Backpedaled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedaled. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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