backpedal

verb

back·​ped·​al ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl How to pronounce backpedal (audio)
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals

intransitive verb

: to retreat or move backward

Examples of backpedal in a Sentence

The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.
Recent Examples on the Web To be sure, some firms have backpedaled on plans to expand in the city. Alexandre Rajbhandari, Fortune Europe, 14 May 2024 But Dameron said his superiors are now backpedaling. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for backpedal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backpedal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backpedal was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near backpedal

Cite this Entry

“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on backpedal

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