back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out
Synonyms of back outnext

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.
Slowly slide your heel back out, straightening your leg. Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 26 Feb. 2026 In the late 1990s, SoftBank almost bought a 30% stake in Amazon for $100 million but backed out as Jeff Bezos believed his company was worth 16% more than Son’s valuation. Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026 There’s a great anecdote when Paul visits Nashville in the summer of 1974 and tells guitarist Jerry Reed that Wings are going back out on the road. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026 Already, the industry is pushing back out of concern that the potential move — via presidential order, not legislation — would be costly and complicated to implement. Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 24 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20out. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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