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.
Economists, for now, are not expecting a recession this year now that Trump has backed off his highest tariffs. Lisa Kailai Han,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 21 May 2025 After a call between President Trump and Mr. Putin on Monday, the White House backed off its demand that Russia declare an immediate cease-fire. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 20 May 2025 In turn, the Chinese government can allegedly piggy back off TP-Link’s hardware to launch future cyberattacks on the US. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 15 May 2025 After that, Miguel dropped Paola off at her friend's house in Durham and later that day, Paola's friend dropped her back off at the Raleigh residence where she was taken into custody. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 8 May 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 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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