backpedaled

Definition of backpedalednext
past tense of backpedal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedaled
Verb
  • Seconds later, Flore backtracked, called the foul on the floor, then backtracked his backtrack and reverted to his initial call.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The strongback support has retracted for launch.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Warsama traces the issue back more than a decade, when discredited researcher Andrew Wakefield published his study — since retracted — claiming a link between autism and the MMR vaccine.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The first, who had lived in his Washington townhouse, later recanted her accusations.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
  • One has since recanted An Indianapolis detective said in court documents that a tipster told police Turner robbed the bank.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backpedaled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedaled. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!