backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak 
backtracked; backtracking; backtracks
1
a
: to retrace one's course
b
: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence
2
: to reverse a position
Examples of backtrack in a Sentence
The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.
Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.
Recent Examples on the Web
To backtrack: Sepideh Farsi was compelled by the images coming out of Gaza to travel there.
—
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
The president backtracked on that announcement days later amid a stock and bond market meltdown.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 13 May 2025
The president imposed punishing tariffs on dozens of its trading partners on April 2, but quickly backtracked after panic ensued in the bond market.
—Ana Swanson, New York Times, 8 May 2025
On Tuesday night, Portnoy posted a video on social media accusing Khan of having initially taken responsibility and then backtracked.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backtrack
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Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
The president backtracked on that announcement days later amid a stock and bond market meltdown.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 13 May 2025
The president imposed punishing tariffs on dozens of its trading partners on April 2, but quickly backtracked after panic ensued in the bond market.
—Ana Swanson, New York Times, 8 May 2025
On Tuesday night, Portnoy posted a video on social media accusing Khan of having initially taken responsibility and then backtracked.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backtrack
Cite this Entry
“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backtrack
verb
back·track
ˈbak-ˌtrak
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand
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