backtrack
verb (used without object)
to return over the same course or route.
backtracked
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past participleof backtrack.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof backtrack.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
backtrackverb (used without object)to return over the same course or route.
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.
“A lot of us, our hope is that eventually, history will straighten this all out and say, no, Gloria came in a little later, and her very loyal supporters have backtracked that history.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
After Infantino backtracked in the early hours of Saturday morning, Uefa delivered another devastating blow by issuing a strong statement saying it had lost confidence in him.
From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026
The United Kingdom, for instance, considered doing away with checks entirely in 2009, but ultimately backtracked after pensioners protested to members of Parliament.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
But Carney backtracked two days later, saying the ceremony had been called off "at the request of the United States."
From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026
Ridge looked at Michael, and Michael’s mind backtracked to the day after they’d visited the mall, when they sat on the couch side-by-side, watching Ricki Lake.
From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly
