backpedal
verb
back·ped·al
ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl 
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals
: 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
The fallout led Gascón to backpedal and create a method for prosecutors to seek to have cases transferred to adult court after stringent review.
—
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024
The company backpedaled after the comments in court documents gained public attention.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024
This isn’t the first time McIlroy has publicly backpedaled a significant relationship decision.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 12 June 2024
Meanwhile, fossil fuel companies have backpedaled from earlier commitments to reduce emissions in the wake of record profits earned during the war in Ukraine, which has renewed focus on energy security.
—Alice Hill, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for backpedal 
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024
The company backpedaled after the comments in court documents gained public attention.
—Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024
This isn’t the first time McIlroy has publicly backpedaled a significant relationship decision.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 12 June 2024
Meanwhile, fossil fuel companies have backpedaled from earlier commitments to reduce emissions in the wake of record profits earned during the war in Ukraine, which has renewed focus on energy security.
—Alice Hill, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2023
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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