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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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 down Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter isn’t backing down after the WNBA team ejected former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom from Sunday’s game against the Indiana Fever. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 With neither side backing down, Cancian expects the conflict will drag on well past the midterm elections in November. — Steve Walsh, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026 Treasury yields have also weighed on stocks, with the 30-year bond yield climbing to a 19-year high last week before dipping back down. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Well, Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, is not backing down. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back down

Verb

As the sun dips behind the canyon walls, the desert cools down rapidly, creating another window to head back out for a dusky hike.

— Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026
The processor wakes up, pulls that data back out, runs inference, writes results back to memory and sends output somewhere else.

— David Schie, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of back out

Verb

Cinema United, the movie theater trade organization, once vociferously opposed to the merger, backed off Tuesday and called for a settlement to avoid industry uncertainty.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
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, ABC News, 19 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

Verb

The advisory follows glutathione’s use in the Altadena and Spokane wildfires and recalls at two pharmacies, where usage was linked to fevers, chills, severe headaches and other symptoms.

— Martha Bellisle, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
The memories will come rushing back for Husker fans recalling their 62-24 Fiesta Bowl win against the Gators to claim the 1995 national title.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of recall

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 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of back down

verb

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