Back down
Back down verb - Move backwards from a certain position.
Usage example: The bully had to back down
Retreat
Retreat verb - To move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable).
Usage example: we retreated to the safety of the cellar at the first sign of the tornado
Back down is a synonym for retreat in resist topic. You can use "Back down" instead a verb "Retreat", if it concerns topics such as go away. popular alternative
Nearby Words: retreated, retreating
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both terms in one sentence
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A Mugging the Monster situation can evolve into this if the attacker doesn't have the sense to back down and retreat after finding out what they're up against.
Source: Mugging the Monster -
They are said to be psychologically unable to back down or retreat from a fight that is picked with them, but they make up for it by being extremely advanced with powerful warships and shock troops, and able to design amazing battle strategies while they fight.
Source: Leeroy Jenkins -
The Romulans eventually back down and retreat.
Source: The Cavalry
Cite this Source
Retreat and Back down. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/back_down/retreat
Back down & Retreat. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/back_down/retreat>.
Retreat or Back down. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/back_down/retreat.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "back down" and "retreat" have occurred on timeline