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

According to US site Axios, however, US President Donald Trump pressured Netanyahu to back down, calling him "crazy" in a phone call.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

After reaching the top the pair chose to skip the queue, as they just wanted to touch the summit and head back down.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

I thought for a second that this was it, that the Confederates had finally succeeded when they retreated back down the hill.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

back down

Example Sentences

Related Words