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

The data-center project had been put on indefinite hold because the company behind it, Sentinel, had backed out. — Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Manager Joe Espada considered sending Brown back out for the eighth, but settled for seven of the best innings any of his starters have thrown all season. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 July 2026

The award-winning regional Mexican group is heading back out on the road with the Amor Nocturno tour, their most ambitious outing yet. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 July 2026

The videos, which do not include audio, show Pigram opening a security door to allow officers behind the counter and then apparently trying to push the officers back out in a hallway and attempting to close the door. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 July 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