BACK OUT Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

back out

verb

Definition of back out

as in to back down

to break a promise or agreement she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of back out So naturally, Melvin came back onto the test kitchen to grab some of the dip before dipping back out and apologizing. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Nagiewicz said they were likely washed back out to sea by the incoming tide. — Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Cell phone records show that the boyfriend did reach back out to Stine after their meet up, but there was no response. — Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 This means insects can simply crawl right back out once the suction stops and is especially true of bagless models. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back out

Verb

Since then, Hochman has been slammed for playing politics, embarrassing his office and even backing down for no reason other than the pressure was too intense.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Jelly Roll isn’t backing down from making jokes at the president’s expense, with the country star once again taking aim at Donald Trump‘s physique during his guest-hosting stint on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of back down

Verb

In anticipation of a Friday meeting between Newsom and the leaders of the Senate and Assembly, Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) rallied legislators to implore the governor to back off.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Despite the tough talk, Beijing has seen the US threaten – and then back off from – sweeping sanctions before.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of back off

Verb

Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
The case highlighted limits in Colorado's police oversight despite significant recent reforms aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.

— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 22 May 2026

Definition of cop out

Verb

Those songs and more were performed during his set by an ace band that included two drummers, whose polyrhythmic beat recalled the Burundi-like drumming of Ant’s 1980 masterpiece Kings of the Wild Frontier.

— David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Cole recalled how, at the close of those early shows, the drawings were removed from their frames and returned to Auckland, to be put back in their cupboards.

— Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of recall

Browse Nearby Words

back off

back out

backpack

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“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20out. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of back out

verb

Example Sentences

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