as in to back down
to break a promise or agreement
she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of back out
Authorities said Abdullah, a security guard at the center, opened fire at the gunmen, and Kaziha and Awad drew the attention of the shooters back out into the parking lot.
—
Michael Smith, USA Today, 23 May 2026
The Padres have taken to moving Tatis back out to right field and subbing in Song late in close games.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Scientists say those figures likely underestimate the true toll as many whale carcasses sink or are swept back out to sea before they are ever found or reported.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
If his film’s fetishized heroine manages to claw her way back out by the end, conquering her daddy issues and taking on the boogeyman, most of us are still stuck down there.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back out
Michael Smith, USA Today, 23 May 2026
The Padres have taken to moving Tatis back out to right field and subbing in Song late in close games.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Scientists say those figures likely underestimate the true toll as many whale carcasses sink or are swept back out to sea before they are ever found or reported.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
If his film’s fetishized heroine manages to claw her way back out by the end, conquering her daddy issues and taking on the boogeyman, most of us are still stuck down there.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for back out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back out
Verb
-
Jamie Knight-Lebel is going to be a full-time Canada centre-back down the road.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
-
This singular event can be the catalyst needed to get oil moving back down and bond yields following, freeing Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to lower rates.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,Zev Fima,
CNBC,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
But Standin’ on the Corner brought people back off the 40 into our downtown Route 66.—
Joe Yogerst,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
-
At times, the piano players in his groups would simply back off during part of Rollins’ solos, loath to risk following the twisting pathways of his improvising.—
Don Heckman,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
The case, which has only recently come to the attention of POST officials, highlights the limits of state oversight even after lawmakers passed significant police reform aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
-
Climb the 900-odd steps (or cop out in a car) for a walk through its eight baroque bastions and some breathtaking views.—
Helen Brown,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In a 1977 interview with Rolling Stone, George Lucas recalled his then-Marcia Lucas’ work on editing the original Star Wars’ final battle sequence.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled right-hander Eric Cerantola from Triple-A Omaha.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20out. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
