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Showing results for backpedal. Search instead for backpedaled.

backpedal



VERB
retrace one's step
Synonyms


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.

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To backpedal for a moment: While even the most well-intentioned president can’t fix everything that comes across his desk, this one apparently spotted a problem beneath his that he could do something about.

From Slate Jun. 5, 2026

The ring for this match was oversized, roughly the square footage of Wyoming, providing Paul plenty of room to run, skip, backpedal, and, weirdly, flick a lizard tongue at a circling Joshua.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 20, 2025

Only after another user pressed the chatbot to re-evaluate its answer did Grok backpedal and acknowledge the footage was from the Bondi Beach shooting.

From Barron's Dec. 16, 2025

Although some hotels tripled prices, competition from Airbnbs forced them to backpedal.

From Seattle Times Apr. 16, 2024

We backpedal, hunker down in a stairwell, and squint into the light.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins




Vocabulary lists containing backpedal


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