Definitions

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.

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

The headline index rose to 53.3 in the latest month after slipping back down to 50 the month before.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

He appears dazed and crouches back down before having a few choice words with the audience.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

As he dropped back down, he saw the trunk of a giant redwood tree tremble.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

back down

Example Sentences

Related Words