as in to backtrack
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Recent Examples of backpedal
Amid the purge, the Trump administration laid off more than 300 probationary NNSA employees, only to backpedal and bring almost all of them back days later.
—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
As in other areas of this administration’s first 100 days, the execution of tariff policy has been chaotic and poorly thought through, leading to conflicting messaging and backpedaling.
—The Editors, National Review, 1 May 2025
With his fourth corner 3-pointer in as many tries — three of them launched in front of OKC’s meddling sideline — Watson spun around and trash-talked his irritants, gleefully backpedaling to the end of the floor that he’s actually meant to dominate.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025
The State Department's backpedaling with the issuance of a humanitarian aid waiver has still led to disruptions for PEPFAR, with many health clinics in southern Africa remaining closed amid the confusion, the New York Times reported.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
As in other areas of this administration’s first 100 days, the execution of tariff policy has been chaotic and poorly thought through, leading to conflicting messaging and backpedaling.
—The Editors, National Review, 1 May 2025
With his fourth corner 3-pointer in as many tries — three of them launched in front of OKC’s meddling sideline — Watson spun around and trash-talked his irritants, gleefully backpedaling to the end of the floor that he’s actually meant to dominate.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025
The State Department's backpedaling with the issuance of a humanitarian aid waiver has still led to disruptions for PEPFAR, with many health clinics in southern Africa remaining closed amid the confusion, the New York Times reported.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backpedal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backpedal
Verb
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To backtrack: Sepideh Farsi was compelled by the images coming out of Gaza to travel there.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
17 May 2025
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The president backtracked on that announcement days later amid a stock and bond market meltdown.—
Sylvan Lane,
The Hill,
13 May 2025
Verb
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In her announcement, Dhillon said the department would retract accusations made under the Biden administration that the departments violated either Floyd’s or Taylor’s constitutional rights.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Startling cell phone video shows a first responder on a ladder trying to help victims when the extended top half of the ladder appears to retract as the victim comes tumbling out of the widow.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
20 May 2025
Verb
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In the following months, Fred confessed – then recanted his confession – to several of the murders at different moments in the investigation.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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However, Jack and Sarah, who were 10 and 8 at the time, recanted their statements nine months later and claimed their stepmother had coached them on what to say.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backpedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backpedal. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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