as in to lose
to undergo defeat
quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition
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Recent Examples of bow out
Although the Matildas bowed out to England in the semi-finals at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosting the tournament with New Zealand had a transformative effect on women’s soccer across the country.
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Michael Bailey, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2026
But then came Thursday afternoon’s swift announcement that the streamer had bowed out.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Not so fast, Hollywood Advertisement But Netflix's bowing out does not indicate a straightforward path for the deal to push through.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Two Charlotte restaurants are bowing out of the city’s dining scene.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bow out
Michael Bailey, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2026
But then came Thursday afternoon’s swift announcement that the streamer had bowed out.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Not so fast, Hollywood Advertisement But Netflix's bowing out does not indicate a straightforward path for the deal to push through.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Two Charlotte restaurants are bowing out of the city’s dining scene.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bow out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bow out
Verb
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Talarico’s victory marks a preliminary triumph for Democrats who argued that the path to ending the party’s 32-year statewide losing streak runs through coalition-building.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
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The country has lost two international allies this year through US action.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Additionally, the Hudson Farmers' Market draws local growers and makers with fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and flowers on Saturdays from spring to fall.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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The Hurricanes came oh-so-close before falling short, 92-89.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bow out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bow%20out. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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