backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak 
backtracked; backtracking; backtracks
1
a
: to retrace one's course
b
: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence
2
: to reverse a position
Examples of backtrack in a Sentence
The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.
Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.
Recent Examples on the Web
The singer quickly backtracked on his comments but the damage was done.
—
Shannon Power, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Earlier this year, Savage backtracked the revelation.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 2 Dec. 2024
He’s backtracked on those comments, saying that Florida hopes to hold on to the Cup for a while — that Winnipeg can have it when the Panthers are done.
—Murat Ates, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
Making about $350,000 annually, Pollio had previously said there would be few to no candidates who’d want to take the high-stress job, but more recently backtracked on the sentiment.
—Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backtrack 
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.
Shannon Power, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Earlier this year, Savage backtracked the revelation.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 2 Dec. 2024
He’s backtracked on those comments, saying that Florida hopes to hold on to the Cup for a while — that Winnipeg can have it when the Panthers are done.
—Murat Ates, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
Making about $350,000 annually, Pollio had previously said there would be few to no candidates who’d want to take the high-stress job, but more recently backtracked on the sentiment.
—Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backtrack
Dictionary Entries Near backtrack
Cite this Entry
“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share