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

Finally, as if to ward off any lingering party-going spirits, hotel security calmly ushered everyone back out into the witching hour. — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026

It’s been about a two-year process to put the book back out in the world, TCU Press director Dan Williams said. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

Was there a difference for you in terms of shifting back out of that anniversary spectacle and back to your regular routine and new players? — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Sep. 2026

Others, including major philanthropic institutions, have pulled back out of fear of retribution that giving to political or racial justice causes could draw the administration's ire. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 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