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

Silberfeld’s optimism arose from the agency’s apparent backtracking from plans unveiled in a January court hearing to install up to 800 tiny homes on the property.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Both men were already stretched thin with other commitments, and Jim suddenly seemed to be backtracking on his promise to attend an important banquet and press conference in Tomsk.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

backtracking

Example Sentences

Related Words