as in backs off
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 backs out
Martinez was an eighth round pick by the D-backs out of Arizona State in 2025.
—
David Brandt, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Martinez was an eighth-round pick by the D-backs out of Arizona State in 2025.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Or maybe sign Cameron Latu off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad (Barrows slowly backs out of the room).
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
David Brandt, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Martinez was an eighth-round pick by the D-backs out of Arizona State in 2025.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Or maybe sign Cameron Latu off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad (Barrows slowly backs out of the room).
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backs out
backs off
Verb
-
McCoy dunked hard at the rim off the dribble, from a lob and even got a couple put-backs off his own misses.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backs%20out. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
