backpedal
verb
back·ped·al
ˈbak-ˌpe-dᵊl 
backpedaled; backpedaling; backpedals
: to retreat or move backward
Examples of backpedal in a Sentence
The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.
Recent Examples on the Web
And without having to backpedal after turnovers, Golden State’s defense swallowed up the Pelicans in the half court.
—
Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024
After manufacturers spent the beginning of the decade making ambitious promises about electric vehicle production and sales, many have spent the past few years backpedaling.
—Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
Frenchman Pascal surrenders to his fears and leaves Joan
Pascal has been furiously backpedaling in the Joan stakes as the show has progressed.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Harris grilled for backpedaling on calling the border wall ‘stupid.'
2.
—Fox News, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backpedal 
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Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024
After manufacturers spent the beginning of the decade making ambitious promises about electric vehicle production and sales, many have spent the past few years backpedaling.
—Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
Frenchman Pascal surrenders to his fears and leaves Joan
Pascal has been furiously backpedaling in the Joan stakes as the show has progressed.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Harris grilled for backpedaling on calling the border wall ‘stupid.'
2.
—Fox News, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backpedal
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Dictionary Entries Near backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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