bow out

VERB

back out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bail out drop out pull out quit retire withdraw

WEAK

exit leave make one's exit walk away from

Antonyms

STRONGEST

begin continue join persevere remain stay

WEAK

opt in

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.

Might they write smaller checks or bow out entirely if the conflict drags on?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Should he bow out, Boland is expected to lead the assault alongside Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

From Barron's • Oct. 25, 2025

Out of almost 40,000 predictions, 63% of you were right that the holders would bow out.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2025

McConnell announced his retirement from the upper chamber on Thursday, opting to bow out of the 2026 Senate elections.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

He is not thrown out, not outgamed, not outgunned; he simply chooses to bow out.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas