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

Besides, there can often be an emergency need for a back-up story, particularly if a subject backs out of a timely report or a story that was supposed to be ready requires last-minute changes. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Not wanting to risk a claw to the face, the officers backed out and reassessed the situation. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026

Authorities said that Abdullah, 51, opened fire at the gunmen, and that Kaziha, 78, and Awad, 57, drew the attention of the shooters back out into the parking lot. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

It was scheduled after Sandburg had its original Week 2 opponent back out. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 31 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