bowed 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.

Two years later, John C. Doerfer, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, likewise bowed out when it was revealed he had vacationed on the yacht of a wealthy friend.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

I didn’t fully become One with a ring until this January when my extremely fit, pickleball-playing sister-in-law bowed out one morning from a family hike at the urging of her ring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Netflix bowed out Feb. 26, ceding the prize to Paramount.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

“Paramount is paying a stiff price, and its winning bid may turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory,” we wrote on Feb. 27, after Netflix bowed out of the takeover battle.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The bubble near Ivan bowed out, reinforced, and Ivan shot Alfhercht a grateful glance.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack