BOW OUT Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

bow out

verb

Definition of bow out

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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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 bow out Her plus-one for the Hollywood Bowl that night had to bow out. — David Allen, Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026 A day later, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who had bowed out on July 8, reentered the race. — Scott Bauer, Twin Cities, 29 July 2026 One major suitor, UTA, had bowed out of the bidding process as of early June, an insider says. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026 Variety understands Odom bowed out after the first act and was replaced by Manaia Glassey-Ohlson. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bow out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bow out

Verb

The researchers’ models suggest that areas near the escarpment could have lost as much as 8 kilometers of rock, with erosion decreasing farther away from the ancient cliff.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
The court dismissed the case against her manager, who also lost his job.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of lose

Verb

When night falls, another show begins with a dedicated corner of the estate designed for stargazing.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Zinc ions enter the electrode first at higher voltages, while much smaller protons are stored later as the voltage falls.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of fall

Browse Nearby Words

bowmen

bow out

bows

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“Bow out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bow%20out. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bow out

verb

Example Sentences

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