backtracked

Went back again

Backtracked is the past tense of backtrack, meaning to retrace one's steps or reverse course.

Literally, it's returning along the same path: We backtracked to find the lost keys.

Figuratively, it means withdrawing from a position or statement: The senator backtracked on her earlier comments after public backlash.

navigation

retraced

Traveled a route again

pathRoute for traveling
trailPath through wilderness
routePath from A to B

footsteps · tracks · returned · doubled back · lost · dead end · maze · detour · GPS · hiking

reversed

u-turn

180-degree driving reversal

about-faceFull directional reversal
flip-flopSudden change of position
retreatedMoved backward from advance

withdrew · retracted · recanted · rescinded · revoked · undid · turned around · walked back · backed out · backed down

concession

retreated

Moved backward from advance

yieldedGave way or produced
capitulatedCeased resistance, conceded
cavedSurrendered after resistance

relented · softened · compromised · backed off · surrendered · acquiesced · apologized · conceded · moderated · tempered

reconsidered

rethought

Considered again afterward

reassessedEvaluated anew
reevaluatedJudged again after reflection
second-guessedQuestioned after deciding

reviewed · reexamined · revised · questioned · pondered · reflected · deliberated · weighed · reappraised · changed mind

Categories

going backwardretreated, went back, reversed, returned, withdrew
turned aroundreversed, flipped, rotated, spun, pivoted
nullifiedvoided, annulled, invalidated, nullified, rescinded

Opposites

direction of movement

backtrackedadvanced

Far along in development

forged ahead · pressed on · progressed · proceeded · moved forward

position change or commitment

backtrackeddoubled down

Strengthened a risky position

persisted · maintained · reaffirmed · committed · dug in

Family

backtrack, backtracks, backtracking

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G