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
Although his administration has since backpedaled from that threat, the evisceration of USAID has already imperiled important civilian programs in both Jordan and Egypt.
—
Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
Goldman Sachs is the latest finance giant to backpedal from diversity promises.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
That’s when Kansas City’s defense took over, applying heavy pressure to Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, whose backpedaling heave on fourth and four fell through the arms of diving tight end Dalton Kincaid on the ensuing possession.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
Throwing the ball near a DB who might be the best pass-catcher on the field sounds much scarier than having to cover a WR who is good at, like, backpedaling.
—Jason Kirk, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
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Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025
Goldman Sachs is the latest finance giant to backpedal from diversity promises.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
That’s when Kansas City’s defense took over, applying heavy pressure to Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, whose backpedaling heave on fourth and four fell through the arms of diving tight end Dalton Kincaid on the ensuing possession.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
Throwing the ball near a DB who might be the best pass-catcher on the field sounds much scarier than having to cover a WR who is good at, like, backpedaling.
—Jason Kirk, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 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 7 Apr. 2025.
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