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
• fink out
• renege

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 | [e-mail], 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

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Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above