back off

verb

Definition of back offnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of back off The Los Angeles district attorney has backed off felony charges against a police officer who secretly recorded his colleagues making racist remarks after facing criticism the response was too harsh and could deter whistleblowers from coming forward. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 Cunningham has not backed off her stance despite the criticism. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The stock saw a record high close in June before backing off. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 By midmorning, as investors digested all of this data, bond traders backed off from betting that the Fed would hike rates this year. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back off
  1. back down
  2. back out
  3. cop out
Verb
  • Since then, Hochman has been slammed for playing politics, embarrassing his office and even backing down for no reason other than the pressure was too intense.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Jelly Roll isn’t backing down from making jokes at the president’s expense, with the country star once again taking aim at Donald Trump‘s physique during his guest-hosting stint on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of back down
Verb
  • It was scheduled after Sandburg had its original Week 2 opponent back out.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The department store had promised to place a new store there until economic difficulties following COVID-19 prompted Nordstrom’s, in 2022, to back out.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The case highlighted limits in Colorado's police oversight despite significant recent reforms aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.
    — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 22 May 2026
Definition of cop out

Browse Nearby Words

back of
back off
back out
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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20off. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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