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.
Good thing Roberts sent Ohtani back out too. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026 Vineyard Wind is now in peril after the firm filed a lawsuit against the wind farm’s contractor, GE Vernova, which is threatening to back out of the massive project over a dispute about costs. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026 After a few short days, simple pleasures like a walk in the woods, a cold plunge, a good meal—and a dragonfly literally resting on my hand—were enough to send me back out into the world feeling a little more present than before. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 In September 2025, Goldfin Ventures emerged as a buyer but ultimately backed out. George Avalos, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 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 20 Apr. 2026.

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