back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

Examples of back out in a Sentence

she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mixed Doubles Pools Note: just ahead of the event, Etta Wright backed out with injury. Todd Boss, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 But back-to-back 3s by Johnson and Deebo Coleman helped push UCF back out front at 49-46 with 15:49 left. Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024 On the first play after the two-minute warning in the first half, Harbaugh sent his offense back out to the field for a fourth-and-1 pinned back at their own 16-yard line. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 Bogdan saw the bear inch forward, then back out of the house and run. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for back out 

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 12 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!