backpedaling

NOUN

change of heart

Synonyms

WEAK

180 about-face apostasy change of mind defection flip-flop reversal second thoughts turnaround volte-face

NOUN

palinode

Synonyms

WEAK

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation annulment backtracking contradiction contraversion denial disavowal disclaimer disowning forswearing gainsaying nullification recall recantation reneging renouncing repudiation retractation reversal revocation unsaying volte-face withdrawal

NOUN

recantation

Synonyms

STRONG

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation annulment contradiction denial disavowal disclaimer disowning forswearing nullification recall repudiation reversal revocation volte-face withdrawal

WEAK

backtracking contraversion gainsaying palinode reneging renouncing retractation unsaying

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement approval confirmation corroboration restoration

NOUN

rescission

Synonyms

STRONG

U-turn annulment cancellation recall repeal retraction revocation switch turnabout turnaround volte-face

WEAK

change in direction doubleback rescinding

Antonyms

STRONG

approval enactment restoration validation

NOUN

retractation

Synonyms

WEAK

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation annulment backtracking contradiction contraversion denial disavowal disclaimer disowning forswearing gainsaying nullification palinode recall recantation reneging renouncing repudiation reversal revocation unsaying volte-face withdrawal

NOUN

retraction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annulment denial disavowal disclaimer repudiation reversal

STRONG

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation contradiction disowning forswearing nullification recall revocation volte-face withdrawal

WEAK

backtracking contraversion gainsaying reneging renouncing unsaying

Antonyms

WEAK

confirmation corroboration reaffirmation

NOUN

reversal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

U-turn annulment cancellation repeal switch turnabout turnaround

STRONG

retraction volte-face

WEAK

change in direction doubleback rescinding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approval enactment validation

NOUN

turnaround

Synonyms

STRONGEST

U-turn turnabout

STRONG

annulment cancellation inversion repeal retraction reversal switch transposition volte-face

WEAK

change in direction doubleback flip-flop rescinding

Antonyms

STRONG

approval enactment validation

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.

Mikel Oyarzabal had a header clawed out by the backpedaling Vozinha.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

With Rodrigo De Paul robbed on the center circle, the ball fell to Son, who was given too much time by backpedaling Miami defenders.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

I can also tell from the amount of attacks we get that there’s some backpedaling.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

There also may be some backpedaling as firms implement price increases in early 2026.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026

Mariam slid out of her bed and began backpedaling.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

backpedaling

Example Sentences

Related Words