back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

Synonyms

• 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

Now, folks heading to Shenandoah National Park or beyond can grab some gas, hit the jerky wall, nab a Dr Pepper Icee, load up on fudge, use the famously clean bathrooms, and stock up on Buc-ee’s merch before heading back out on the road. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2025

The episode then ends with a surprise twist after Issa backs out and Paul Baker ends up getting hitched to Anton, with the two sharing a loving kiss after growing closer to each other all season. —Stacy Lambe, People.com, 26 June 2025

The experience concludes with dessert and a traditional tea ceremony, offering space to reflect, to restore, and to carry a sense of calm back out into the world. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

But just be smart, know when to back out, know when to walk away from certain situations. —Joseph Person, New York Times, 18 June 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