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 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

Commercial shipping trackers said several tankers loaded with Saudi oil backed out of the waterway to avoid attack. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026

The artist briefly backed out, leading the cast and crew to use Saturday Night Live cast member Fred Armisen, who impersonated Prince on the sketch show, in a table read. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 21 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