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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Prosecutors asked the grand jury to back off after jurors considered indicting him. Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024 At the last minute, major Venezuelan officials backed off the ledge. Zach Dorfman, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 But the solution isn’t to back off completely or, on the flip side, to control every aspect of the process. Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Metro board chair and Supervisor Janice Hahn said that funding the Transit Connector would not endanger other South Bay projects, and that backing off could send a bad message to Washington down the line. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near back off

Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

back off

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on back off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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