backpedaling

Definition of backpedalingnext
present participle of backpedal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedaling
Verb
  • Her delicate proto-shell dangles below, her tiny sails and blossoming eyes retracting at the scent of predators.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
  • With retracting landing gear and a striking look, too, this set is ideal for young ones with plenty of imagination.
    Alexander Cox, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But in 1999, the four men were arrested, with Springsteen and Scott confessing and later recanting, according to the AP.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Campbell also dismissed the third eyewitness recanting her testimony, saying there's no evidence of tampering during the trial.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backpedaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedaling. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster