backpedaled
/ˈbækˌpɛdəld/
VERB
1. To pedal backwards on a bicycle
To rotate the pedals of a bicycle in the reverse direction.
1.1. Reverse bicycle pedaling
Moving bicycle pedals backward rather than forward, typically to control the bicycle or operate a reverse-pedal braking mechanism.
Synonyms
- pedaled backward
- reversed pedaling
Antonyms
- pedaled forward
Related Words
- bicycle
- cycling
- pedaling
- braking
VERB
2. To step or move backward
To move one's feet or body backward, away from a position or person.
2.1. Physical backward movement
Moving backward by taking steps away from something or someone, often to create distance or avoid an approaching object.
Synonyms
- stepped backward
- retreated
- receded
- withdrew
- backed away
Antonyms
- advanced
- approached
Related Words
- recoiled
- fell back
- gave ground
- moved away
VERB
3. To withdraw from an earlier claim or statement
To distance oneself from a previous claim, statement, opinion, or commitment, especially after facing criticism, opposition, or pressure.
3.1. Retracting a previous statement
Taking back or publicly withdrawing something previously said or claimed, often because it has been challenged or proven inaccurate.
Synonyms
Examples
- After his controversial statement, the politician quickly backpedaled to mitigate public outrage.
- Faced with overwhelming evidence, the suspect finally backpedaled on their alibi.
Related Words
- clarified
- reconsidered
- renounced
- disowned
3.2. Backing down from a position or opinion
Abandoning or weakening a previously expressed position, opinion, or decision, particularly when facing disagreement, criticism, or public pressure.
Synonyms
- backed down
- backed off
- backtracked
- retreated
- climbed down
- gave ground
Antonyms
- stood firm
- maintained
- persisted
Examples
- The athlete initially boasted about their abilities but soon backpedaled when challenged by competitors.
- Despite initial enthusiasm, the administration eventually backpedaled on its proposed policy changes.
Related Words
- conceded
- yielded
- reversed
- changed course
3.3. Withdrawing from a promise or commitment
Reneging on an earlier promise, agreement, or commitment instead of following through with what was previously agreed.
Synonyms
- backed out
- reneged
- withdrew
- forswore
- foreswore
- went back on
- begged off
- cried off
Antonyms
Examples
- The company initially promised reforms but later backpedaled on their commitments.
Related Words
- abandoned
- bowed out
- copped out
- wimped out
- disavowed