Synonyms of back off

back off

verb

as in to back down

to break a promise or agreement

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• back down
• back out
• cop out
• recall
• fink out
• go back on
• withdraw
• chicken (out)
• renege
• retract
• wimp out
• take back
• beg off
• cry off
• backtrack
• unsay
• backpedal
• recant
• forswear
• abjure
• disavow
• abnegate
• repudiate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adhere (to)
• comply (with)
• follow through (with)
• keep
• honor
• satisfy
• fulfill

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of back off

Her biggest gripe was with the aviation industry and its longstanding rule that flight attendants aren’t paid until the plane backs off from the gate (or the aircraft doors are closed). — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026

Stocks also got a boost yesterday when the 10-year Treasury yield backed off from highs not seen in almost three years. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Nikishin not backing off trade request Defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains unsigned by the Carolina Hurricanes as camps get set to open. — Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Was getting the bear to back off of his catch worth taking a chance on a violent encounter with a black bear? — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026