back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

Example Sentences

she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning
Recent Examples on the Web O’Ward then attempted to back out, but locked his rear tires in the process and spun around, trying not to take Kirkwood with him. Nathan Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2023 Then, the following night in Detroit, Lowry was back in and Oladipo back out. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2023 And those guys have all reached back out. Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 15 Mar. 2023 The vehicle got confused, and didn’t want to back out. Brad Templeton, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 Eventually, things will level back out. Becca Stanek, The Week, 15 Apr. 2023 Ninth Region Co-Players of the Year Evan Ipsaro and Jacob Meyer were set to play in the game but had to back out. Brendan Connelly, The Enquirer, 9 Apr. 2023 Before bidding began on the livestock auction, the plaintiffs tried to back out, the lawsuit reads. Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2023 That is a woman who has seen it, been in it, dug her way back out. Nick Romano, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near back out

Cite this Entry

“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20out. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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