as in to back out
to break a promise or agreement
if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back down
Wednesday, a white van backed down the driveway.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
In early April, after the Administration agreed to a temporary ceasefire with Iran, the Prime Minister did not back down.
—Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
The three mules that had overtaken the group a mile earlier had finished resting, bags of cement removed from their backs, and were starting the climb back down.
—Erin Tan, NBC news, 13 May 2026
The day also was an example of a burgeoning trend in the greater Sacramento area, where activists like Atica have faced charges but also haven’t been quick to back down.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back down
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
In early April, after the Administration agreed to a temporary ceasefire with Iran, the Prime Minister did not back down.
—Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
The three mules that had overtaken the group a mile earlier had finished resting, bags of cement removed from their backs, and were starting the climb back down.
—Erin Tan, NBC news, 13 May 2026
The day also was an example of a burgeoning trend in the greater Sacramento area, where activists like Atica have faced charges but also haven’t been quick to back down.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back down
Verb
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Alexander was able to counter Slater’s high-flying abilities just for a moment and knocked him back out of the ring.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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The Chargers reminded Baltimore of the Ravens backing out of their trade with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby.—
Teresa M. Walker,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Verb
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States have also backed off on strict consequences for schools whose students fail to make progress on standardized tests, Kane said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
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States have also backed off on strict consequences for schools whose students fail to make progress on standardized tests, Kane said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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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
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Climb the 900-odd steps (or cop out in a car) for a walk through its eight baroque bastions and some breathtaking views.—
Helen Brown,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Dodgers recalled left-hander Charlie Barnes to take Snell’s place on the active roster.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
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The rooms Although the 66 rooms are in a building wing added on to the original brick structure that, from the outside, is very modern, the interior design of the rooms manages to recall the 20th century Tudor style while simultaneously encompassing contemporary touches.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20down. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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