backslide
verb
back·slide
ˈbak-ˌslīd 
backslid
ˈbak-ˌslid
; backslid or backslidden
ˈbak-ˌsli-dᵊn
; backsliding
ˈbak-ˌslī-diŋ
; backslid or backslidden
ˈbak-ˌsli-dᵊn
; backsliding
ˈbak-ˌslī-diŋ
1
: to lapse morally or in the practice of religion
2
: to revert to a worse condition : retrogress
backslide
noun
Examples of backslide in a Sentence
Smokers who quit often backslide within a year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Democrats began backsliding on that before the Los Angeles riots commenced.
—
W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
Social media companies need to stop backsliding on their responsibility to fight hate today.
—Jonathan A. Greenblatt, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Members of the party say that Democrats need to shore up their identity among the key demographic and better address their economic anxieties, among other prescriptions, amid concerns that the party could further backslide with that voting bloc.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 28 May 2025
Amid the country’s recent backsliding around LGBTQ acceptance, there could be a topical aspect to Benny’s main conflict.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backslide
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W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
Social media companies need to stop backsliding on their responsibility to fight hate today.
—Jonathan A. Greenblatt, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Members of the party say that Democrats need to shore up their identity among the key demographic and better address their economic anxieties, among other prescriptions, amid concerns that the party could further backslide with that voting bloc.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 28 May 2025
Amid the country’s recent backsliding around LGBTQ acceptance, there could be a topical aspect to Benny’s main conflict.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backslide
Cite this Entry
“Backslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backslide. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backslide
verb
back·slide
ˈbak-ˌslīd
1
: to go back to a less religious or less moral condition
2
: to go back to a worse condition
backslide
noun
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