back off

verb

Definition of back offnext
as in to back down
to break a promise or agreement you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 back off Campbell committed to the Hurricanes more than two years before ultimately signing, never backing off his commitment. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 In a 2025 report issued on Tuesday, the intelligence agency said there were no indications that the party had backed off its problematic views. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 When the Ku Klux Klan burned crosses on the lawn of other beach neighbors, the only Jewish family in town, my dad tracked down the local Klan leader and told him to back off, or else. — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 Latvian intelligence argues that Putin is not only looking for ways to pressure NATO countries to back off Ukraine, but may also be receiving distorted assessments from inside his own system — raising the risk that Russia could misjudge Western resolve. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for back off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back off
  1. back down
  2. back out
  3. cop out
Verb
  • After shooting up to an all-time high of over $225, shares of the rocket company have swung wildly back down to Earth, betraying plenty of uncertainty over the company’s dizzying, north-of-$2-trillion market cap.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 1 July 2026
  • The prisoner is placed in restraints and led back down the wing before being transported to Florida State Prison and placed on death watch.
    — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Definition of back down
Verb
  • In May, a slew of musicians who were slated to perform at Freedom 250's 16-day state fair event backed out, with some citing politics.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The actor was a replacement after Madonna backed out, leaving the proto-rave tune one of the era’s most unlikely collaborations.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of cop out

Browse Nearby Words

back of
back off
back out
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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20off. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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