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backing off

VERB

retreat

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abandon back down balk give up surrender withdraw

WEAK

recede retire yield

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.

“Any indication that there is some kind of resolution and that Iran is backing off their maximalist demands would be welcome by the oil market,” Cahill says.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

There is no indication that Miller is backing off these expectations.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

Buyers are backing off due to high housing costs and economic uncertainty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

There is no sign the government is backing off, but Kyle recently told a committee of MPs that there were 26 consultations to come on exactly how these measures will be implemented.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025

They move in orderly lines around the box, crowding one another precisely, without injury, peering down, nodding, and then backing off to let new people in.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas