as in to backtrack
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of backpedal
Other tests showed that models can show what’s called a sycophancy bias — the tendency of an LLM to backpedal on a correct answer to please the user.
—
Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
And without having to backpedal after turnovers, Golden State’s defense swallowed up the Pelicans in the half court.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024
After manufacturers spent the beginning of the decade making ambitious promises about electric vehicle production and sales, many have spent the past few years backpedaling.
—Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
Frenchman Pascal surrenders to his fears and leaves Joan
Pascal has been furiously backpedaling in the Joan stakes as the show has progressed.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backpedal 
Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
And without having to backpedal after turnovers, Golden State’s defense swallowed up the Pelicans in the half court.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024
After manufacturers spent the beginning of the decade making ambitious promises about electric vehicle production and sales, many have spent the past few years backpedaling.
—Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
Frenchman Pascal surrenders to his fears and leaves Joan
Pascal has been furiously backpedaling in the Joan stakes as the show has progressed.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backpedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedal
Verb
-
Initially, there were no plans for refunds, but Spotify backtracked after buyers complained.Chloe Albanesius, PCMAG, 16 Dec. 2024
-
But in February 2023 — on the night before the deal was supposed to receive final approval — the EDC backtracked, cancelled the procurement and launched an entirely new bidding process.Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Bose’s design is also more versatile, letting the buds extend fully around your ears, and retract neatly to fit into a compact charging case.Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Such statements are easy to make, and easy to retract, especially for Putin who has a habit of distorting the truth.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Ivana recanted a rape allegation against Trump in 2015.Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
-
At the time, Twitter management called that an application of rules against sharing private information and hacked materials, but then-CEO Jack Dorsey quickly recanted it.Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 27 Sep. 2024
Articles Related to backpedal
Thesaurus Entries Near backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share