back off

verb

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

intransitive verb

: back down

Synonyms of back off

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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.
The first time, her 6-year-old child was close to harming our infant daughter, and my husband asked him to back off — not unkindly, and only after giving the neighbor a chance to intercede first. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 The idea isn’t to wall the kitchen back off but to declutter it, giving everyday clutter a place to disappear so the room looks calmer and more polished. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Traoré’s explosive first step gives defenders a reason to back off. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026 Costello almost released his earliest recordings 35 years ago, then backed off. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 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

Rhymes for back off

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Browse Nearby Words

back of beyond
back off
back-office
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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

back off

verb
: back down
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