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 Michigan gas prices have been hovering above the national average; even with the state backing off from the usual expensive summer blend fuel requirement for Metro Detroit this summer. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 July 2026 Don’t even think about backing off to change gear or grabbing some clutch. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026 According to attorney Justin Smith, Erickson’s representative on the recount board, each candidate’s personal legal counsel needs to back off. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026 Engage your abs to lift your shoulder blades and upper back off the floor, bringing your upper body closer to your knees. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 7 July 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
  • The curious boys climbed onto the roof of their home for a better look, but climbed back down when scolded by their grandmother.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Once reports of the proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup broke last month, three confederations — Asia, Europe, and North America — along with anger from world leaders and dissenting FIFA staff pushed Infantino to back down.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of back down
Verb
  • The data-center project had been put on indefinite hold because the company behind it, Sentinel, had backed out.
    — Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • Manager Joe Espada considered sending Brown back out for the eighth, but settled for seven of the best innings any of his starters have thrown all season.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 July 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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