as in to lose
to undergo defeat
quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition
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 bow out
Paramount raised its offer last week, and Netflix then opted to bow out rather than take part in a bidding war.
—
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
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.
—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
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
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
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.
—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
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
-
The markets lose millions, maybe more, each time somebody in the press asks President Trump a question.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
-
For a few minutes, Hollywood lost its collective mind.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The team with the worst record can fall no lower than fifth in the draft while the team with the fourth-worst record can fall as far as eighth.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Midway through the third quarter, Ralston Valley pushed the ball in transition with the Jaguars falling slightly out of control.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bow out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bow%20out. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
