back off

verb

backed off; backing off; backs off

Examples of back off in a Sentence

you'd better not back off on your promise to do all the planning for the big dance
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another source said Sörensen backed off the officials once it was explained Bedard had been holding Nemec’s stick. Scott Powers, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 On March 11, Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Canada’s aluminum and steel but backed off the same day after Ontario agreed to suspend its 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota and New York. David Goldman, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025 And there was actually some good news this week from Florida, where the city of Miami backed off of trying to control what local arthouse O Cinema could show. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025 Drummond stops choking Mark and backs off slowly, then smashes the pistol from Lorne’s hand. Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back off

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back off was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Back off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20off. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

back off

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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