back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out
Synonyms of back outnext

intransitive verb

: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

Synonyms of back out

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Examples of back out in a Sentence

she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Porter Town Council granted Weiss a Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreement for the property, but the developer backed out. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Blackburn declined in July to participate in any debates, and Rose backed out when it was set to be only him and Fritts on stage. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 In 2017, the object flew into our solar system, whipped around the sun like a comet, and flew back out. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 The nozzle assembly swung into the opening on the robot, and water began flowing through the basket and draining back out through the drain hose. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back out

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back out was in 1801

Rhymes for back out

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Browse Nearby Words

back-ordered
back out
backpack
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Cite this Entry

“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20out. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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