back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

Synonyms of back out

• 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 backing out those sectors, the economy would’ve added 70,000 jobs, in line with Wall Street’s consensus, instead of losing 23,000 jobs. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

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

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