OpenSynonym

backed down

/bækt daʊn/

VERB

1. To withdraw from a position or confrontation

To give up resistance, abandon a firmly held position, or yield to opposition or pressure.

1.1. Yielding to opposition or pressure

Describes giving in, conceding, or retreating when confronted with resistance, disagreement, or demands from others.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • stood firm
  • resisted
  • held out
  • stood one's ground
  • persevered

Examples

  • The company backed down after customers threatened to boycott its products.
  • Neither side backed down during the heated negotiations.
  • The politician eventually backed down in response to public pressure.

Related Words

1.2. Retracting a statement or claim

Refers to withdrawing, reversing, or formally taking back a previously expressed opinion, accusation, promise, or assertion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The spokesperson backed down from the accusation after new evidence emerged.
  • He backed down and admitted that his earlier statement was inaccurate.
  • The organization backed down from its controversial public position.

Related Words

1.3. Withdrawing from a promise or commitment

Describes failing to follow through on a promise, agreement, or previously accepted obligation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The supplier backed down from its promise to deliver the materials on time.
  • He backed down on his commitment to finance the project.
  • The contractor reneged on the agreement after the costs increased.

Related Words