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.

Both companies have an option to back out of the deal, which could cost Anthropic $45 billion by the time it expires.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

“Tell L.A. I love them and all of Southern California — and I can’t wait to get back out there and visit my home state and my hometown.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

The way the ball flew back out of play for a throw-in had to suggest it came off Nicholson's head, so the VAR must think it came off his hand at the same time too.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Twitter sued Musk in 2022 after the entrepreneur tried to back out of the deal to acquire the company.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

My first instinct was to march right back out the door and find Fitz.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

back out

Example Sentences

Related Words