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Definitions

back out

VERB
withdraw
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back down cancel give up renege surrender
WEAK
avoid back pedal beg off blow it off chicken out cop out get cold feet go back on recant resign scratch shy from throw in the towel weasel out wiggle out worm out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said he went “all in” to win an F1 seat following his first IndyCar title in 2021, but doubts about whether he’d be given a competitive car led him to back out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

It would require Colony Ridge to adopt stricter lending standards and allow buyers to back out of purchases without penalty within two months.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

In February, she decided to reach back out to Coogan and his co-host Jordi Hays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

His promoter, Frank Warren, said the Chatham heavyweight will be back out in July.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Rar-rar-rar-rar-rar!— like he could scare the hurricane back out to sea.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz