backtracking

NOUN

palinode

Synonyms

WEAK

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation annulment backpedaling contradiction contraversion denial disavowal disclaimer disowning forswearing gainsaying nullification recall recantation reneging renouncing repudiation retractation reversal revocation unsaying volte-face withdrawal

NOUN

recantation

Synonyms

STRONG

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation annulment contradiction denial disavowal disclaimer disowning forswearing nullification recall repudiation reversal revocation volte-face withdrawal

WEAK

backpedaling contraversion gainsaying palinode reneging renouncing retractation unsaying

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement approval confirmation corroboration restoration

NOUN

retractation

Synonyms

WEAK

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation annulment backpedaling contradiction contraversion denial disavowal disclaimer disowning forswearing gainsaying nullification palinode recall recantation reneging renouncing repudiation reversal revocation unsaying volte-face withdrawal

NOUN

retraction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annulment denial disavowal disclaimer repudiation reversal

STRONG

abjuration abnegation about-face abrogation contradiction disowning forswearing nullification recall revocation volte-face withdrawal

WEAK

backpedaling contraversion gainsaying reneging renouncing unsaying

Antonyms

WEAK

confirmation corroboration reaffirmation

NOUN

U-turn

Synonyms

STRONGEST

change of mind reversal turnaround

STRONG

retraction volte-face

WEAK

U-ey change of heart change of plan eating one's words one-eighty sea change

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.

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

But backtracking and regrets have no place here.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026

"Ten years after the Paris Agreement and we are still trying to lobby," he told AFP, adding that backtracking by polluters was "very disheartening".

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

We had spent all day struggling and backtracking in the cut-up, crevassed area east of the Fire-Hills; We were tired that evening but elated, sure that a clear course would soon open out ahead.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

backtracking

Example Sentences

Related Words