back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off

Examples of back off in a Sentence

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance
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.
Creighton rebounded a UConn miss with about 7 seconds left and a 7-point lead, and the Huskies backed off, allowing the Bluejays to dribble out the clock. Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 There has never been reason to think, and there certainly is no reason to think now, that appeasing Putin is going to lead to him backing off from these grander schemes. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025 Instead of rimming it up the boards to a teammate, the puck ricocheted straight back off the end boards. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 The Ontario premier briefly vowed to impose a 25 percent surcharge on electricity for three states last week but backed off from the effort after Trump threatened to heighten levies on the nation during his April 2 announcement of reciprocal tariffs. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back off

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back off was in 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!