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

Germany, the host of the 2027 men's world championships, also suggested backing out if Russia was allowed to play. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

In August, the group backed out of Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival after Skiendiel, 20, sprained her ankle during tour rehearsal. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026

Concerns are mounting that cash-burning companies reliant on debt are going to have a hard time meeting their obligations as interest rates rise and lenders back out of the market. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

When the bidding escalated beyond his threshold, Baffert’s money man backed out, but the trainer, too far gone on the horse, kept raising his hand. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 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