back down

verb

backed down; backing down; backs down

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from a commitment or position

Synonyms

• back off
• back out
• cop out
• fink out
• renege

Examples of back down in a Sentence

if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date

Recent Examples on the Web

Cam Newton, who spent the majority of his 11-year NFL career with the Carolina Panthers, is not backing down from his recent criticism of his former teammates. —Chantz Martin, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025

The two battle it out, and after losing one of his wings, Wilson attempts to appeal to Red Hulk's humanity — in a classic Captain America moment — in order to bring him back down to the life-size Ross. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025

The government revived the bill last year – and this time would not back down. —Elizabeth McBride, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025

Thanks to the concentration of our forces in and around the Strip, and thanks to President Trump's clear and unequivocal statement, Hamas backed down and the release of the hostages continued. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

back down

verb

: to retreat from a stand one has taken or from a challenge one has accepted