backtracked

verb

past tense of backtrack
1
as in reverted

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2
as in backpedaled

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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 backtracked Seconds later, Flore backtracked, called the foul on the floor, then backtracked his backtrack and reverted to his initial call. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backtracked
  1. reverted
  2. retracted
  3. revoked
  4. rescinded
  5. overturned
Verb
  • Stars such as Julia Fox and Bechtel have reverted back to their natural color after spending time with the platinum look, but keeping the shape ultra-thin.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • However, the cells recently reverted from the supergiant state do not have the potential to form supergiants compared to cells produced by normal morphs.
    — Jay Kakade July 23, Refractor, 23 July 2026
Definition of reverted
Verb
  • Sign Up for Our Free Daily Newsletter A controversial 2024 study that some vaccine skeptics used to argue that millions of people likely died as a result of COVID vaccines has been retracted over misinformation and issues with the research.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Rumors swirled about Alito’s retirement plans after NPR published and then retracted an article by reporter Nina Totenberg that Alito would be retiring from his role on the bench at the end of the court’s 2025-26 term.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of retracted
Verb
  • Police also rely on outdated databases from judicial authorities, which means individuals can end up in police custody for expired or revoked arrest warrants.
    — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship may be revoked if it was illegally procured or obtained through the concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of revoked
Verb
  • Reconstruction, or is the contract rescinded, with everyone’s rights and obligations terminated?
    — Benjamin Maltby, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The league rescinded the technical foul assessed to the Indiana Fever star during the team’s win over the Chicago Sky, wiping away the penalty that would have automatically sidelined Clark for one game.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of rescinded
Verb
  • But the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the murder convictions this May and ordered a retrial, saying Colleton County’s then-clerk tainted the first trial with what the defense said was prejudicial comments to the jury.
    — Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Rosenwald family resources helped provide the facilities that made possible the accomplishments of the Tuskegee airmen, and supported NAACP legal efforts that ultimately overturned school segregation.
    — Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of overturned

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backtrack
backtracked
backtracking
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Cite this Entry

“Backtracked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backtracked. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on backtracked

Nglish: Translation of backtracked for Spanish Speakers

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