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
In the 12th minute, as one of Luton’s numerous aerial missiles dropped into the Leeds area, the goalkeeper had to backpedal under his crossbar, with attackers closing in, and caught confidently.
—
Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The backpedaling move drew howls from social media, journalists and rivals.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Many of the worst culprits on this issue are backpedaling fast.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
To make matters worse, the boss frequently would backpedal into the blind spot of whichever camera was attempting to show the action.
—David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
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Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The backpedaling move drew howls from social media, journalists and rivals.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Many of the worst culprits on this issue are backpedaling fast.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
To make matters worse, the boss frequently would backpedal into the blind spot of whichever camera was attempting to show the action.
—David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backpedal. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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