back down

VERB

back off

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abandon admit back off back out backtrack balk cancel cave in concede give in give up pull back pull out renege retreat surrender take back withdraw

WEAK

accede acquiesce back pedal beg off bow out chicken out cop out demur give ground go back on have no fight left hold back recant recoil resign submit wimp out withdraw from agreement or statement yield

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance allow dispute dissent fight permit refuse reject uphold

WEAK

go forward

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.

With an encouraging smile, Dudamel took the concertmaster’s arm, gently lifting him to his feet, but he sat back down when no one in the orchestra followed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Fox News reported President Donald Trump was urging both sides to back down.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 7, 2026

Markets have soared toward the rare air last breathed by investors in the mid-1980s, but the stalling tech rally is bringing stocks back down to Earth.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Handball penalties showed a notable rise when the Premier League tried to be more strict, before coming back down again.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

I lay back down and stared up at the ceiling.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

back down

Example Sentences

Related Words