backpedal
verb
back·ped·al
ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl 
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals
: to retreat or move backward
Examples of backpedal in a Sentence
The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mitch McCarthy boomed a high kick 55 yards, sending Toney backpedaling 15 yards near the right sidelines inside the Miami 5 to field the punt.
—
Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 28 May 2026
But Fort Wayne’s Emerson Nieto released Ricol up the center of the field in the 83rd minute, and the French native beat a backpedaling Jonathan Kliewer for his second goal of the night to secure the road victory.
—Idaho Statesman, 24 May 2026
Pope Francis and Buttigieg both backpedaled after Jewish leaders expressed concerns.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
One of the best fast-break scorers in the NBA had only one backpedaling defender between him and the basket.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
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.
Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 28 May 2026
But Fort Wayne’s Emerson Nieto released Ricol up the center of the field in the 83rd minute, and the French native beat a backpedaling Jonathan Kliewer for his second goal of the night to secure the road victory.
—Idaho Statesman, 24 May 2026
Pope Francis and Buttigieg both backpedaled after Jewish leaders expressed concerns.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
One of the best fast-break scorers in the NBA had only one backpedaling defender between him and the basket.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
