back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off
Synonyms of back offnext

intransitive verb

: back down

Synonyms of back off

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Examples of back off in a Sentence

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In anticipation of a Friday meeting between Newsom and the leaders of the Senate and Assembly, Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) rallied legislators to implore the governor to back off. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Despite the tough talk, Beijing has seen the US threaten – and then back off from – sweeping sanctions before. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 After Hotch was able to get Ali to back off, Hotch went further up the structure. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Cinema United, the movie theater trade organization, once vociferously opposed to the merger, backed off Tuesday and called for a settlement to avoid industry uncertainty. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back off

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back off was in 1920

Rhymes for back off

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Browse Nearby Words

back of beyond
back off
back-office
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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

back off

verb
: back down
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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