backed 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.

In Hanover County, Virginia, the owner of a warehouse that ICE planned to buy backed out of the deal after local leaders and protesters opposed the plan.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

Then came a stunning announcement from Las Vegas on Tuesday night: “The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” the team said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Now, Paramount Skydance Corporation holds the highest bid for Warner Bros. after Netflix backed out.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

Weeks later, however, he backed out of the agreement, and a judge ruled he could do so because he had not yet entered his guilty plea in court.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

On the day of the play, Lee Roy and Smiley backed out.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns