back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off
Synonyms of back offnext

Examples of back off in a Sentence

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Officers briefly chased the suspect through Highland Park, but backed off. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026 When OutKick asked him directly about his comments, Kerr backed off. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Some of their goals from throw-ins, with oppositions backing off in anticipation and possibly fear of one of Pinnock’s long throws, have also come from quick restarts and delivering quality crosses into the box. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Instead of backing off of their support for the proposal, its Republican supporters are digging in — a sign of how intractable the fight over immigration policy is, even among Trump-supporting Republicans. Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back off

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back off was in 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
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