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Definitions

backtrack

[bak-trak] / ˈbækˌtræk /


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.

See Examples For:

Getting him to backtrack on one of his centrepiece economic policies seems unlikely.

From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026

But Downing Street later appeared to backtrack on this suggestion, with sources telling the BBC no decision had been made.

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026

But then he appeared to backtrack after his critique made headlines and ricocheted around social media.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

Recent polls have found that more than 70% of the public oppose data centers near them, forcing governors and candidates who had previously embraced AI to backtrack on the issue.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

Anyway, if I end up at the edge of a crater, I'll have to backtrack to somewhere useful.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

To do so, the complex moves down DNA chains in one direction, but backtracks in certain scenarios.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 9, 2024

The resulting protests — the largest since a cost of living crisis last July — have sparked a series of backtracks from President Laurentino Cortizo.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 1, 2023

Playing over the game, the result makes perfect sense: White plays way better than Black, with simple, strong developing moves while Carlsen wastes time and backtracks to no obvious purpose.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 18, 2023

A sharp cooling of inflation hints at an easier road for Bullock, after Lowe's controversy-filled legacy of painful backtracks and abrupt shifts that cost him a second term.

From Reuters ● Sep. 1, 2023

She backtracks to her first job at thirteen, cleaning the Francis the First silver service at the governor’s mansion.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Morey backtracked on his comment after fierce criticism from Chinese fans, sponsors and commercial partners.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

In his latest interview with Axios Sunday, Bessent backtracked and conceded, “I can’t control the bond market.”

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026

“A lot of us, our hope is that eventually, history will straighten this all out and say, no, Gloria came in a little later, and her very loyal supporters have backtracked that history.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

Davis has since backtracked, insisting the claims were bluster and were created by a ghostwriter to sell books.

From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026

They acted slowly and without resolve, they backtracked, they obfuscated, they spoke with a small hesitant voice when what was needed was a howl.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Earlier this year, it did indeed look like the administration would block mFlusiva; the FDA initially refused to review Moderna’s application, backtracking only after experts and the company pushed back.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

The CJP accused the government of backtracking after authorities had assured them that no punitive action would be taken against protesters.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

Happily, the backtracking and throat-clearing ends a little less than halfway through, and from then on it’s all baseball.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

Itauma - the prodigy who was sparring seasoned professionals while still at school - was in wonderful form from the first bell, using his speed and variation to send Franklin backtracking.

From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2026

“We hate backtracking, but we’re not crazy … well, not that crazy. We were looking at how a levee disintegrates. It’s not often that you get to see something like that. It’s interesting.”

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith


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