BACK OUT Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

back out

verb

Definition of back out

as in to back down

to break a promise or agreement she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning

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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 In June, Torres backed out of attending a conference in Canada at the last minute despite DPS already paying for his travel, including registration, airfare and hotel, Gaytán alleged. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026 Forced-fan fireplaces, which are more common, circulate air over a heating coil and force it back out to heat the room. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026 Security footage showed the intruder taking photos before climbing back out. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026 Wanting to preserve his bullpen after a stretch of four games in three days, Tracy sent Paez back out for the fourth. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back out

Verb

For nearly two hours, 1,800 American troops stood their ground against seasoned British and Hessian regulars in open-field combat before driving the enemy back down the slope.

— Harry Ostrer, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
Suddenly, yellow smoke fills the doorway and the officers race back down the stairs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of back down

Verb

Her biggest gripe was with the aviation industry and its longstanding rule that flight attendants aren’t paid until the plane backs off from the gate (or the aircraft doors are closed).

— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026
Stocks also got a boost yesterday when the 10-year Treasury yield backed off from highs not seen in almost three years.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of back off

Verb

Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
The case highlighted limits in Colorado's police oversight despite significant recent reforms aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.

— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 22 May 2026

Definition of cop out

Verb

Any costs or savings to administer recall elections would be dependent on which office was being recalled.

— Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
If an official is recalled, the office would be declared vacant in the manner provided by law for filling that vacancy.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of recall

Browse Nearby Words

back off

back out

backpack

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“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20out. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of back out

verb

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