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
President Donald Trump has threatened and backpedaled on imposing tariffs repeatedly since taking office.
—
Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
The player starts in his position at one of the outside cones, facing the coach, before backpedaling straight back for 5 yards and then breaking diagonally to the next cone.
—Rj Kraft, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Fear of litigation, activist investor scrutiny and political pressure has caused companies to backpedal or keep their initiatives below the radar, said Jon Solorzano, an attorney at Vinson & Elkins who advises companies on DEI.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
In the 12th minute, as one of Luton’s numerous aerial missiles dropped into the Leeds area, the goalkeeper had to backpedal under his crossbar, with attackers closing in, and caught confidently.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
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.
Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
The player starts in his position at one of the outside cones, facing the coach, before backpedaling straight back for 5 yards and then breaking diagonally to the next cone.
—Rj Kraft, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Fear of litigation, activist investor scrutiny and political pressure has caused companies to backpedal or keep their initiatives below the radar, said Jon Solorzano, an attorney at Vinson & Elkins who advises companies on DEI.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
In the 12th minute, as one of Luton’s numerous aerial missiles dropped into the Leeds area, the goalkeeper had to backpedal under his crossbar, with attackers closing in, and caught confidently.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share