Back-pedal is a phrasal verb that means to reverse one's position or opinion. Some synonyms for back-pedal include backtrack, retract, recant, withdraw, and reverse. When someone back-pedals, it can be seen as dishonest or insincere, and using a synonym can add nuance to one's communication. For instance, "he backtracked his initial claim" emphasizes a change of direction, while "she retracted her statement" implies a formalized retraction. Similarly, "he recanted his promise" emphasizes the gravity of the change, while "she withdrew her support" implies a personal difference. By varying the synonym, a speaker or writer can add emphasis and clarity to their intended meaning.