backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak 
backtracked; backtracking; backtracks
1
a
: to retrace one's course
b
: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence
2
: to reverse a position
Examples of backtrack in a Sentence
The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.
Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.
Recent Examples on the Web
By the end of their 10-episode courtship, Joanne decides to convert to Judaism for Noah, only to backtrack in the final moments of the season.
—
Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Oct. 2024
Maybe booze was involved, though, and Poe drank before his train, boarded the wrong one and needed to backtrack from his error.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024
Companies like Google and Meta were found to have backtracked on their commitment to DEI when data from CNBC revealed the organizations, among many others, under-delivered on their promises to demonstrate commitment to racial equity.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 6 Oct. 2024
In reality, most businesses are becoming more—not less—flexible and have even recently backtracked on their stance around working from home.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backtrack 
Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Oct. 2024
Maybe booze was involved, though, and Poe drank before his train, boarded the wrong one and needed to backtrack from his error.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024
Companies like Google and Meta were found to have backtracked on their commitment to DEI when data from CNBC revealed the organizations, among many others, under-delivered on their promises to demonstrate commitment to racial equity.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 6 Oct. 2024
In reality, most businesses are becoming more—not less—flexible and have even recently backtracked on their stance around working from home.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backtrack
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backtrack.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near backtrack
Cite this Entry
“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand
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