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
OpenAI backtracked, announcing a new plan earlier this month that would have the nonprofit remain in charge.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
After financial markets reacted negatively, Trump backtracked on removing Powell, whose term as chairman ends in May 2026.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
Related Articles Until now exhibitions culminated in Saint Laurent’s studio on the upper floor of the museum, obliging visitors to backtrack toward the exit.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
The president has been engaged in an on-again, off-again relationship with hitting countries with tariffs before backtracking.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backtrack
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Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
After financial markets reacted negatively, Trump backtracked on removing Powell, whose term as chairman ends in May 2026.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
Related Articles Until now exhibitions culminated in Saint Laurent’s studio on the upper floor of the museum, obliging visitors to backtrack toward the exit.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
The president has been engaged in an on-again, off-again relationship with hitting countries with tariffs before backtracking.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 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 4 Jun. 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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