backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak How to pronounce backtrack (audio)
backtracked; backtracking; backtracks
Synonyms of backtracknext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to retrace one's course
b
: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence
2
: to reverse a position

Examples of backtrack in a Sentence

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack. Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.
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.
But last week, officials backtracked and announced that INDEC would carry on using the obsolete formula. —Isabel Debre, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 Normally, Ralston said, a person that misses a turn would just swing around quickly and backtrack. —Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026 The reviews and site checks are part of an effort to convince the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to backtrack on the withholding of funds. —Aki Nace, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026 Forcing the president to backtrack on deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles. —Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backtrack

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backtrack was in 1870

Rhymes for backtrack

See All Rhymes for backtrack

Browse Nearby Words

back-to-work
backtrack
back trail
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Kids Definition

backtrack

verb
back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak How to pronounce backtrack (audio)
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand

More from Merriam-Webster on backtrack

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for backtrack

Nglish: Translation of backtrack for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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