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 And don't feed the turkey so KDKA-TV isn't back out in Bethel Park for a candlelight vigil. — Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 With his team up a touchdown midway through the first quarter, Jalen Brewster trotted back out to the field. — Mcclain Baxley For The Ajc, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Somebody was probably backing out of our neighbor’s driveway, and hit it! — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026 The purchase of a Premier League club in 2021 has come to look like a sound investment, and there is little obvious sense that PIF wishes to back out of St James’ Park. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back out

Verb

For now, the company is limited to just 15 minutes of operation in space before the chips have to be shut off to cool back down.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026
Sheeran himself has faced significant backlash over the move, with critics blasting him for backing down, not supporting Macklemore and seeking to avoid taking sides on the matter.

— Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 24 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

Robin recalled the animal charging at him twice, leaving puncture marks near his hip from clawing at him.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
The 131-foot-long installation, titled Mushrooms, recalls various 20th-century combat helmets, complete with inner padding.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of recall

Browse Nearby Words

back off

back out

backpack

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Style

“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20out. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of back out

verb

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