back down

verb

backed down; backing down; backs down

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from a commitment or position

Synonyms of back down

• back out
• back off
• cop out
• recall

Examples of back down in a Sentence

if you back down about dinner again, I'm not going to agree to another date

Recent Examples on the Web

However, a lack of specifics boiled over after Meta's second-quarter earnings miss and disappointing guidance in late July, sending the stock right back down. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

The perception surely irked a man who was just following organizational advice, but Claire never backed down from his role in the deal. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Rolls it back down, and starts moving chairs to rope off an area. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2026

But bottom line here, George, the White House shows no signs of backing down. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

back down

verb

: to retreat from a stand one has taken or from a challenge one has accepted