backtrack
3 synonyms for backtrack, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To go back the way you came, retracing your own steps or route.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To go back the way you came, retracing your own steps or route.
“We had to backtrack half a mile after realizing we'd missed the turnoff.”
turn back
double back
2. verb
To reverse or withdraw an earlier statement, promise, or position.
“The senator backtracked on his campaign promise within a month of taking office.”
How to use backtrack
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
backtrack on a promise
backtrack and retrace
quickly backtracked
Etymology
From back + track — literally to travel back over the same track or path.
Full origin of backtrack →Frequently asked questions
What does “backtrack” mean?
The word “backtrack” means to go back the way you came, retracing your own steps or route. In plain terms, to go back over ground you already covered, whether that's a physical path or something you already said.
How do you pronounce “backtrack”?
“Backtrack” is pronounced BAK-trak (/ˈbæk.tɹæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “backtrack” in a sentence?
Here is “backtrack” used in a sentence: “We had to backtrack half a mile after realizing we'd missed the turnoff.”
What part of speech is “backtrack”?
“Backtrack” is a verb.
How many meanings does “backtrack” have?
“Backtrack” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to go back the way you came, retracing your own steps or route.
