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 neither side willing to back down, a new confrontation over Lebanon appears to be a matter of time.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

“Warsh has to assure the world — especially bond investors — that he will do whatever it takes to ensure inflation comes back down to normal,” Long said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

As tensions come back down a notch with the United States, after Europe got approval of a 2025 trade agreement over the line, the bloc is turning its focus to China.

From Barron's • May 29, 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

“It’s just—everyone disappeared when my dad got sick, or they pretended nothing was happening. And you . . .” He meets my eyes for a split second, then looks back down.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

back down

Example Sentences

Related Words