BACKS DOWN Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

backs down

verb

present tense third-person singular of back down

as in backs off

to break a promise or agreement if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date

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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 backs down When the going gets tough, Gloria backs down, a lesson not lost on his political opponents and rivals. — Carl Luna, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 News to Know FIFA backs down Private investors will not be offered a stake in future World Cups, after all. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 That perception risks fueling a cycle in which Iran escalates to impose greater costs, while neither side backs down for fear of losing credibility. — Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 29 July 2026 Trump never backs down from these rules, ever. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 26 June 2026 Vastril confirmed that Saleh never backs down from a challenge. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026 The heat backs down for a more enjoyable warmth Friday into Saturday. — Steven Sosna, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 My record is one of an effective lawmaker who never backs down from a fight. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backs down

Verb

If the city backs off the video gambling rollout, Bally’s will once again ramp up construction at an accelerated pace on the full entertainment complex, sources said.

— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
And, Michelle, as Donna just pointed out, Jeanine Pirro says no to the president, backs off the charges, immediately gets attacked by both Doug Burgum and the president.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of backs off

Verb

Near the end of the story, Gardner pledges to kill his imaginary son to spare him war’s toll, but backs out upon his wish to be transformed into a noble soldier.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Beyond that, a truce means whatever the negotiators will tolerate as long as none backs out of talks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of backs out

Verb

The case, which has only recently come to the attention of POST officials, highlights the limits of state oversight even after lawmakers passed significant police reform aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.

— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Rather than throwing those bad cops out of the union and asking for better training so cops will never have to ask what to do when a fellow cop appears to have broken the law, Hendry encourages them.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026

Definition of cops out

Browse Nearby Words

backs away

backs down

backside

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“Backs down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backs%20down. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of backs down

verb

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