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

One of those thefts was caught on camera, which showed a thief climb into the rear passenger side window, steal the airbag, and climb back out in less than two minutes before tossing the airbag in the trunk of a getaway car and driving off. —Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

The Florida and Texas metros with the highest share of stale listings are all solid buyer’s markets, where buyers have the upper hand over sellers and can negotiate lower prices as well as backing out of unfavorable deals. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

At night, s’more kits lead guests back out to the fire pit, where blankets and a spread of stars await. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026

My story examines the high stakes involved with the upcoming Artemis II launch, and outlines the dramatic backstory that got a 322-foot-tall moon rocket back out to the launchpad. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 30 Mar. 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