as in to back out
to break a promise or agreement
if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of back down
The trail eventually tilts back down toward the city, where car honks and train horns replace the cries of birds and insects.
—
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
That pulls cooler air up and pushes warm air (which rises to the ceiling) back down into the room without creating a draft.
—Ryan Brennan
may 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 2026
Benavidez, even when being backed down by Ramirez, delivered his signature rapid-fire combinations, usually pelting his opponent's head.
—ABC News, 3 May 2026
Yousef Pezeshkian, the son and adviser of President Masoud Pezeshkian, wrote on Telegram that both the United States and Iran see themselves as the winner of the war and are unwilling to back down.
—Adam Schreck, Fortune, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back down
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
That pulls cooler air up and pushes warm air (which rises to the ceiling) back down into the room without creating a draft.
—Ryan Brennan
may 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 2026
Benavidez, even when being backed down by Ramirez, delivered his signature rapid-fire combinations, usually pelting his opponent's head.
—ABC News, 3 May 2026
Yousef Pezeshkian, the son and adviser of President Masoud Pezeshkian, wrote on Telegram that both the United States and Iran see themselves as the winner of the war and are unwilling to back down.
—Adam Schreck, Fortune, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back down
Verb
-
Alexander was able to counter Slater’s high-flying abilities just for a moment and knocked him back out of the ring.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
The Chargers reminded Baltimore of the Ravens backing out of their trade with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby.—
Teresa M. Walker,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
States have also backed off on strict consequences for schools whose students fail to make progress on standardized tests, Kane said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
-
States have also backed off on strict consequences for schools whose students fail to make progress on standardized tests, Kane said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The case, which has only recently come to the attention of POST officials, highlights the limits of state oversight even after lawmakers passed significant police reform aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
-
Climb the 900-odd steps (or cop out in a car) for a walk through its eight baroque bastions and some breathtaking views.—
Helen Brown,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Dodgers recalled left-hander Charlie Barnes to take Snell’s place on the active roster.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
-
The rooms Although the 66 rooms are in a building wing added on to the original brick structure that, from the outside, is very modern, the interior design of the rooms manages to recall the 20th century Tudor style while simultaneously encompassing contemporary touches.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20down. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
