backtracked

verb

past tense of backtrack
1
as in reverted

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in backpedaled

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 backtracked Seconds later, Flore backtracked, called the foul on the floor, then backtracked his backtrack and reverted to his initial call. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backtracked
  1. reverted
  2. retracted
  3. revoked
  4. rescinded
  5. overturned
Verb
  • That project was scrapped in February 2025 due to creative differences and the rights have since reverted back to Maas.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Stars such as Julia Fox and Bechtel have reverted back to their natural color after spending time with the platinum look, but keeping the shape ultra-thin.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Definition of reverted
Verb
  • That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The study was found to be fraudulent; eventually, it was retracted entirely.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of retracted
Verb
  • Citing what an administrative law judge called egregious conduct, the DEA last month revoked Rubinger’s ability to prescribe opioids.
    — Joshua Goodman, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Jackson discharged its last patient to Calvinelle South in November 2025, hospital records show — eight months after a state administrative law judge wrote an order recommending the home’s license be revoked.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of revoked
Verb
  • When the district refused to scrap those policies, the agency rescinded the unrelated federal grants.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Not to mention, few studios have purchased cinemas even after the Department of Justice rescinded the 1948 Paramount Consent Decrees, which previously disallowed studios from owning movie theater chains.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rescinded
Verb
  • According to The Sacramento Bee, California Highway Patrol said the crew member was driving a semi-truck that veered off the interstate highway and overturned.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At least one person died Thursday morning after a big rig overturned on Interstate 5 south of Zamora in Yolo County, according to the California Highway Patrol.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of overturned

Browse Nearby Words

backtrack
backtracked
backtracking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backtracked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backtracked. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All