back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off

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.
Johnson, who campaigned against raising property taxes and instead pitched other progressive revenues, backed off of Lightfoot’s policy in his first budget, only to renege last year amid a nearly $1 billion deficit. A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 Several of the members rejoiced at the news that Polis backed off the proposal. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 22 July 2025 Major manufacturers including Honda, Stellantis, and Nissan publicly backed off plans to build and sell battery-electric vehicles, joining others who have made similar admissions in the past two years. Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 19 July 2025 After making multiple passes near the USA 245 spacecraft, Kosmos 2542's sub-satellite backed off and fired a mysterious projectile in 2020 at a speed fast enough to damage or destroy any target in its sights. Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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