bows out

verb

present tense third-person singular of bow out
as in loses
to undergo defeat quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bows out England has reached the World Cup quarterfinals 10 times in the past, but that is often the round where the team bows out. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 If Platner bows out and the Democrats put forth a new Senate nominee that turns off the progressive base, Coleman said that could change the tide of the general election, too. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 July 2026 Herman said in many ways, the state law is more stringent than the Clean Water Act, so even if the EPA bows out of regulating Southern California’s ditch system, the state’s rules might prevent pollution from flowing. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026 Behold the golden-orange horizon over Kitt Peak National Observatory, a fiery twilight moment where day bows out and the stars prepare their grand entrance. — Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025 Vegas ends up in a wild-card spot and bows out in the opening round. — The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 The news comes as the Weeknd bows out. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025 That’s right, Foundation season three bows out with a shot at Earth itself and two robots living on the moon. — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025 In an Instagram reel posted on her page (also shared by YouTube page My Husband is My Best Friend), the Basketball Wives LA star is sipping wine and engaging in tourist behavior like exploring monumental cathedrals with the Sacramento Kings coach before summer 2025 bows out. — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bows out
  1. loses
  2. falls
  3. falters
Verb
  • The genius of work divided loses none of its luster when the Chinese are participating in the work, not to mention the peaceful implications of market goods easily crossing borders.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The movie stars the late Murphy as Molly, a rich girl who loses her fortune and has to find a job.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of loses
Verb
  • The company says its reactor’s electrical output falls within the range of a high-performance vehicle drivetrain.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • If Colorado’s 2027 first-round pick is not transferred to the Toronto Maple Leafs or if its 2028 first-round pick falls within the top 10, Nashville instead gets Colorado’s 2029 first-round pick.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of falls
Verb
  • American military resources are stretched and political pressure in Washington is mounting, while Iran’s economy falters.
    — David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This leadership vacuum raises serious questions about the agencies' ability to craft meaningful crypto rules, especially if the Senate's Clarity Act vote falters.
    — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of falters

Browse Nearby Words

bows
bows out
bows (to)
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Cite this Entry

“Bows out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bows%20out. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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