backing down

NOUN

submission

Synonyms

STRONGEST

capitulation resignation

STRONG

acquiescence appeasement assent bowing defeatism deference docility humbleness humility malleability meekness nonresistance obedience passivism passivity prostration servility subjection submissiveness surrender tractability unassertiveness yielding

WEAK

cringing giving-in pliabilty recreancy submitting

Antonyms

STRONG

disagreement disobedience rebellion

WEAK

fight resistance

NOUN

white flag

Synonyms

WEAK

capitulation caving in flag of truce giving-in retreat submission throwing in the towel truce flag

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Late on Wednesday, a handful of the students got a reprieve, with the SLC backing down and reinstating their right to receive payments.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

So far, neither side is showing signs of backing down, foreshadowing a fight that could take years.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

“I don’t think he can take this loss and then be seen as backing down on Iran,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

However, Heraskevych has already said he has no intention of backing down and he was wearing it again in training at the Cortina Sliding Centre on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Now, though, his threats are the only reason I have to fight—the sheer perverse glory of not backing down.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

backing down

Example Sentences

Related Words