Synonyms of bow out

bow out

verb

as in to lose

to undergo defeat

quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lose
• fall
• throw
• falter
• take the count
• strike out
• tank
• fail
• miss
• crack (up)
• wash out
• collapse
• forfeit
• founder
• fold
• flop
• bomb
• flunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• win
• triumph
• prevail
• succeed
• conquer
• flourish
• thrive
• prosper

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bow out

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

Vingegaard is extremely unlikely to bow out like Chris Froome, who confirmed his retirement two days before the start of the Tour, aged 41, after struggling at Israel-Premier Tech for the past five years. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 21 July 2026

As for Lionel Messi, the legend failed to influence the game and bowed out of the tournament with a silver medal. — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 20 July 2026