as in losing
to undergo defeat
quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition
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Recent Examples of bowing out
This will be the first time these teams have met competitively, with Benfica out to improve after bowing out of last season's tournament in the last 16.
—
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The 45-year-old Williams earlier exited in the first round of both singles – bowing out against Karolína Muchová in three sets – and mixed doubles.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Much of his focus has been on cost cutting, which has improved Intel’s outlook to return to profitability but raised concerns the chipmaker may be bowing out of the race for technological leadership.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
Rewind to March and a painful defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, ending a punishing week that included bowing out of the Champions League to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025
So much for bowing out with dignity.
—Robyn Bahr, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The 45-year-old Williams earlier exited in the first round of both singles – bowing out against Karolína Muchová in three sets – and mixed doubles.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Much of his focus has been on cost cutting, which has improved Intel’s outlook to return to profitability but raised concerns the chipmaker may be bowing out of the race for technological leadership.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
Rewind to March and a painful defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, ending a punishing week that included bowing out of the Champions League to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025
So much for bowing out with dignity.
—Robyn Bahr, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowing out
Verb
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The cyberattacks resulted in Caesars Entertainment losing sensitive customer data, according to financial filings, and MGM Resorts International properties experienced significant operational disruptions.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
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Robert's mother, Evie O'Rourke, told ABC News affiliate WCVB that her son put himself between the gunman and his family, losing his life to protect them.—
Jessica Gorman,
ABC News,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson, along with Baron Davis and Britt Stewart, were sent home after falling short in judges’ scores and viewer votes.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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After falling behind by five runs, the Mets scored five in the fifth, one inning before learning of a significant opportunity in front of them.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Lions moved to 2-1, while the Ravens are now 1-2 after faltering late in this game.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Sep. 2025
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China's housing downturn has stretched into a fourth year, with prices, sales, investment and construction activity faltering across the board.—
Anniek Bao,Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bowing out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowing%20out. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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