BACK DOWN Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

back down

verb

Definition of back down

as in to back out

to break a promise or agreement if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date

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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 down Indeed, most are tumbling back down the levels after a few years of academy football. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 To dive back down to the double digits on the thermostat, head up to the Sierra. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026 De Puy didn’t back down, though, and questioned the fellow competitor’s tactics in front of everyone else. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 No, Sasaki didn’t need to be sent back down to the minor leagues. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for back down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back down

Verb

She was briefly considered to be a Taiwan People's Party legislator candidate, but had backed out owing to questions about her loyalty and affiliation with China.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Near the end of the story, Gardner pledges to kill his imaginary son to spare him war’s toll, but backs out upon his wish to be transformed into a noble soldier.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of back out

Verb

If the city backs off the video gambling rollout, Bally’s will once again ramp up construction at an accelerated pace on the full entertainment complex, sources said.

— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of back off

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

backcountry

back down

backdrop

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“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20down. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of back down

verb

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