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
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Recent Examples of back off
Pitchers might start to back off, and the walks might start to stack.
—
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
The next back off the board came near the end of the third round when the San Francisco 49ers took Indiana’s Kaelon Black 90th, marking the fewest running backs taken in the first three rounds of the common draft.
—Josh Dubow, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
But even speaking to a friendly interviewer, Kerr sounds like a guy backing off.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Some of their goals from throw-ins, with oppositions backing off in anticipation and possibly fear of one of Pinnock’s long throws, have also come from quick restarts and delivering quality crosses into the box.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back off
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
The next back off the board came near the end of the third round when the San Francisco 49ers took Indiana’s Kaelon Black 90th, marking the fewest running backs taken in the first three rounds of the common draft.
—Josh Dubow, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
But even speaking to a friendly interviewer, Kerr sounds like a guy backing off.
—Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Some of their goals from throw-ins, with oppositions backing off in anticipation and possibly fear of one of Pinnock’s long throws, have also come from quick restarts and delivering quality crosses into the box.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for back off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back off
Verb
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To hike to Mount Livermore, take the two-mile trek via the North Ridge Trail up — this portion includes about 144 wooden steps — and then climb back down via the Sunset Trail.—
Nora Heston Tarte,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
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Highs will reach the low to mid 80s before a cold front drops Tuesday night's lows back down, clearing the way for a cooler, quieter midweek.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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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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
Cite this Entry
“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20off. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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