back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

Synonyms

• back down
• back off
• cop out
• recall

Examples of back out in a Sentence

she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning

Recent Examples on the Web

After the Cubs hit a pair of back-to-back solo home runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 2-1 lead, Counsell sent Palencia back out for the sixth to face Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill and Xander Bogaerts. —Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

Or might a loss at Carolina next Sunday immediately spring open that pen and let the wolves back out full-throated? —Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

Series star James Van Der Beek backed out last minute due to illness, but still made a surprise appearance at the event in a sweet video message for attendees and his fellow cast members. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025

After striking out Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh to end the fifth inning, Roberts sent Kershaw back out for the sixth inning. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout