walk back

verb

walked back; walking back; walks back

transitive verb

US
: to retreat from or distance oneself from (a previously stated opinion or position)
… try not to say anything in the primary campaign that you might need to walk back in the general election.The Progressive Populist
… has tried to walk back his suggestion about Japan, in particular, claiming in recent days that he "never said" that the Asian nation should acquire nuclear weapons.Julian Hattem

Examples of walk back in a Sentence

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.
She is then thrown to the side of the curb, but quickly stands up and walks back to the group of other demonstrators. Hunter Sowards, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026 Let’s walk back through the episode with everybody in mind. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026 Concrete and cedar For clients who wanted convenience without creating a full-fledged kitchen, Sarah Scales of Sarah Scales Design Studio, an AD PRO member, incorporated just enough appliances that no one has to walk back into the main house for anything. Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026 While Doja walked back her comments, two ballet/classical veterans double-down. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for walk back

Word History

First Known Use

2000, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of walk back was in 2000

Cite this Entry

“Walk back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/walk%20back. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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