backtracking
Undoing previous moves
Backtracking is reversing course to return the way you came, whether literally on a trail or figuratively in conversation: We had to backtrack two miles to find the turnoff.
In argument or negotiation, to backtrack is to retreat from a position: The senator backtracked on her earlier comments.
In computing, backtracking is an algorithmic method that abandons partial solutions when they prove unworkable, returning to try alternative paths.
Formal withdrawal of statement
- recantationFormal withdrawal of statement
- backpedalingReversing one's position
- walking backReversing a prior position
- flip-flopSudden change of position
about-face · reversal · U-turn · withdrawal · disavowal · change of position · rethinking · reconsideration
Dried, crushed loaf pieces
- pathfindingCalculating efficient travel routes
- trailPath through wilderness
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
- return pathRoute leading backward
landmark · maze · labyrinth · route · dead-end · compass · map · orientation
Act of taking away
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- pullbackWithdrawal or reduction
- disengagementWithdrawal from involvement
- stepping backMoving away backward
regrouping · tactical retreat · yielding · backing off · course correction · reassessment
Process invoking itself
- pruningCutting vegetation for health
- depth-firstExhausts branches before siblings
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
- enumerationSequential listing of items
dead-end · brute-force · decision tree · exploration · decomposition · reduction · tabulation · greedy
retraction
Formal withdrawal of statement
- recantationFormal withdrawal of statement
- backpedalingReversing one's position
- walking backReversing a prior position
flip-flop · about-face · reversal · U-turn · withdrawal · disavowal · change of position · rethinking · reconsideration · revision
breadcrumbs
Dried, crushed loaf pieces
- pathfindingCalculating efficient travel routes
- trailPath through wilderness
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
return path · landmark · maze · labyrinth · route · dead-end · compass · map · orientation · expedition
withdrawal
Act of taking away
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- pullbackWithdrawal or reduction
- disengagementWithdrawal from involvement
stepping back · regrouping · tactical retreat · yielding · backing off · course correction · reassessment
recursion
Process invoking itself
- pruningCutting vegetation for health
- depth-firstExhausts branches before siblings
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
enumeration · dead-end · brute-force · decision tree · exploration · decomposition · reduction · tabulation · greedy
- navigation errorsmissed exit, wrong direction, wrong way, off course, getting lost
- optimization algorithmsswarm intelligence, hill climbing, convergence, heuristic, nature-inspired
- Mazesmaze, labyrinth, corn maze, hedge maze, ball maze
- productivity killersdistractions, procrastination, wasted time, multitasking, micromanagement
- getting lostdead end, wandering, confusion, maze, disorientation
- maneuveringmaneuvering, positioning, steering, repositioning, pivoting
backtrackingadvancing
Moving in forward direction
moving forward · forging ahead · progressing · proceeding · pressing on
backtrackingdoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
persisting · following through · steadfastness · persevering · committing
track, tracks, tracking, retrace, backtrack, tracker, retracing, backtracks, backtracked