backpedal
verb
back·ped·al
ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl 
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals
: to retreat or move backward
Examples of backpedal in a Sentence
The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.
Recent Examples on the Web
Robert Anderson backpedaled on his earlier, abolitionist beliefs and came out in support for lynching—unsurprising, considering his books sold well in the South, especially among wealthy white readers.
—
Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024
However, amid a harsh backlash, the IRS eventually backpedaled.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 Dec. 2024
During the early red-zone team drill, Locke backpedaled and bought time to throw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jackson McGohan over the middle.
—Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024
In early warmups, Denver safety Brandon Jones (listed yesterday as questionable with an illness) is going through some pre-game running and backpedaling.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2024
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Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024
However, amid a harsh backlash, the IRS eventually backpedaled.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 Dec. 2024
During the early red-zone team drill, Locke backpedaled and bought time to throw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jackson McGohan over the middle.
—Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024
In early warmups, Denver safety Brandon Jones (listed yesterday as questionable with an illness) is going through some pre-game running and backpedaling.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backpedal
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Dictionary Entries Near backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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