BACK OUT Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

back out

verb

Definition of back out

as in to back down

to break a promise or agreement she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning

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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 back out The drive was set up by an interception by Teeg Slone, a redshirt junior defensive back out of Rocklin High School in Placer County with a stop at Sacramento’s American River College. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Sandy Creek comes right back out from the lightning delay and asserts dominance. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The couple was ready to back out, but the contractor promised to repair the damage at no extra cost, and an inspector said that Pinky’s bones were still good. — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 As the sun dips behind the canyon walls, the desert cools down rapidly, creating another window to head back out for a dusky hike. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back out

Verb

Since then, Hochman has been slammed for playing politics, embarrassing his office and even backing down for no reason other than the pressure was too intense.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Jelly Roll isn’t backing down from making jokes at the president’s expense, with the country star once again taking aim at Donald Trump‘s physique during his guest-hosting stint on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of back down

Verb

In anticipation of a Friday meeting between Newsom and the leaders of the Senate and Assembly, Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) rallied legislators to implore the governor to back off.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Despite the tough talk, Beijing has seen the US threaten – and then back off from – sweeping sanctions before.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of back off

Verb

Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
The case highlighted limits in Colorado's police oversight despite significant recent reforms aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.

— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 22 May 2026

Definition of cop out

Verb

Those songs and more were performed during his set by an ace band that included two drummers, whose polyrhythmic beat recalled the Burundi-like drumming of Ant’s 1980 masterpiece Kings of the Wild Frontier.

— David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Cole recalled how, at the close of those early shows, the drawings were removed from their frames and returned to Auckland, to be put back in their cupboards.

— Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of recall

Browse Nearby Words

back off

back out

backpack

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“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20out. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of back out

verb

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