back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off
Synonyms of back offnext

intransitive verb

: back down

Synonyms of back off

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Examples of back off in a Sentence

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance
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.
But a New York Times report published Tuesday shows one of the most prominent GOP donors has quietly backed off. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 Now Payton’s team will slowly ramp up toward a rugged Wednesday practice, likely back off slightly after that and then have a couple more tough days through Saturday. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2026 And, Michelle, as Donna just pointed out, Jeanine Pirro says no to the president, backs off the charges, immediately gets attacked by both Doug Burgum and the president. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Trump backs off latest threat of new strikes on Iran, saying regional mediation produced outlines of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt the five-month war. — Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back off

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back off was in 1920

Rhymes for back off

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Browse Nearby Words

back of beyond
back off
back-office
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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

back off

verb
: back down
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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