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.
And, though houses have gotten much bigger over the long term, home builders have backed off a bit in recent years. Zachary Crockett, thehustle.co, 13 Dec. 2024 Lewis, the No. 35 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 in the 247Sports Composite, had been committed to USC for more than a year but backed off that pledge on Nov. 17. David Ubben, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 Both providers think the FCC needs to back off entirely. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024 The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee backed off on Tuesday, voting to keep the film credit while cutting it to $125 million. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near back off

Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

back off

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on back off

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!