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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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 After fielding a roster that struggled with injuries and went 37-45 before bowing out in the play-in tournament, the Warriors have committed to bringing back almost the exact same team as last season. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 While England breezily dismissed Senegal 3-0 in its fourth match of the tournament, Morocco eliminated Portugal in the quarterfinals before bowing out 2-0 to eventual runnersup France in the semis. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 June 2026 Trump’s speech worked as a replacement for a series of musical artists who were scheduled to perform at the fair but bowed out over concerns the event had become partisan. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Harbour and Brown’s onscreen reunion comes six months after Stranger Things bowed out as Netflix’s biggest original series ever. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bow out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bow out

Verb

The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson previously told The Times that a child attached to a parent’s immigration case does not lose the claim upon turning 18, but said that a pending asylum application doesn’t confer legal status.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
After rallying from a five-run deficit in the seventh inning to tie the score, the Angels ended up losing anyway, falling to the Texas Rangers, 7-6, when right-hander Kirby Yates gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth on Thursday night.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026

Definition of lose

Verb

Some older employees who have benefited from a booming stock market may be retiring feeling comfortable with their 401(k)s, though that doesn’t explain why the participation rate for people ages 25 to 55 has fallen.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 9 July 2026
But for some Atlanta businesses, the major soccer tournament has fallen far short of expectations.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bow out

verb

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