backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak How to pronounce backtrack (audio)
backtracked; backtracking; backtracks
Synonyms of backtracknext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to retrace one's course
b
: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence
2
: to reverse a position

Examples of backtrack in a Sentence

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack. Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.
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.
The scheduled vote on whether to backtrack the May decision follows intense backlash from national public safety leaders and police unions as violence makes headlines in the Greater Boston Area, including the mass shooting on Memorial Drive. — Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 Dominik Szoboszlai, who has looked fit and sharp, picked him out and as defenders backtracked, Ngumoha was positive and direct. — James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Yet the Army veteran and former Ulster County executive suddenly backtracked on that support this month. — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026 Unlike the anti-weaponization fund, which Blanche backtracked on and said was dead after even Republican senators opposed it, the DOJ has held firm to keeping the immunity agreement in place. — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for backtrack

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backtrack was in 1870

Rhymes for backtrack

See All Rhymes for backtrack

Browse Nearby Words

back-to-work
backtrack
back trail
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

backtrack

verb
back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak How to pronounce backtrack (audio)
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand

More from Merriam-Webster on backtrack

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for backtrack

Nglish: Translation of backtrack for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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