Synonyms

backtrack

American

[bak-trak] / ˈbækˌtræk /

verb (used without object)

to return over the same course or route.
to withdraw from an undertaking, position, etc.; reverse a policy.

backtrack British

/ ˈbækˌtræk /

verb

to return by the same route by which one has come
to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

backtracking noun

Etymology

Origin of backtrack

An Americanism dating back to 1715–25; back ² + track

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The new ambassador appeared to later backtrack, saying the US government respected the independence and findings of South Africa's judiciary.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

“The President has this tendency to TACO,” he said, referring to Trump’s tendency to announce tough policies only to backtrack on those announcements later.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

In September, mere hours after Charlie Kirk was killed, Patel prematurely announced a suspect had been apprehended — only to have to backtrack when authorities had taken the wrong man into custody.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

But public revulsion at their attack appears to have forced the criminals to backtrack.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

If we backtrack a little, maybe there’s an incline we can find to get us to what I think will be a ridge.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023