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 Down 3-1 in the eighth, Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto went back-to-back off an obscure reliever named Clayton Kershaw … and then that Nationals team, too, went on to win the World Series. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 After intense opposition from environmentalists and local residents and business owners, the agency backed off plans this year to build a 30-foot-tall bollard wall through the park. — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 After intense opposition from environmentalists and local residents and business owners, CBP backed off plans this year to build a 30-foot-tall bollard wall through the park. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 Rachelle described in detail the way that the Honda had backed off the cliff, flipping multiple times. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 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
  • But experts caution that escalating pressure does not necessarily mean Tehran will back down.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … RED FUNDING FIGHT — $40M Singham money trail sparks House showdown as nonprofits refuse to back down.
    — , FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of back down
Verb
  • The Sooners got the ball back out of the break and went up 17-0 on the third play, a 32-yard pass from Mateer to Rocky Beers up the middle.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • McLaren Racing wants to see some of its finest cars back out on the track.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • Lozano Garita said as he was led by cops out of the 101st Precinct stationhouse Tuesday afternoon to be arraigned in Queens Criminal Court.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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 28 Oct. 2026.

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