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

Stephen Schwartz is one of the most high-profile artists who has backed out of an event since the center’s name change. —Ethan Beck, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026

But a turnover from San Diego State leading scorer BJ Davis (22) gave Boise State senior guard Dylan Andrews the chance to win the game at the buzzer; however, his midrange jumper over a defender rattled inside the rim and back out as the buzzer sounded. —Idaho Statesman, 4 Jan. 2026

Any contact would risk bringing her back out in the open and starting the cycle again. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026

Grab a hearty lunch at Little Sheba’s, then wander to Roscoe’s Coffee Bar and Tap Room for a warm drink before heading back out to watch more carving. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 29 Dec. 2025

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