back out

verb

backed out; backing out; backs out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw especially from a commitment or contest

Examples of back out in a Sentence

she backed out on her offer to help with the wedding planning
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This summer, the moment felt right for Purpura to reach back out to Hart. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The soap ensures that gnats who enter the trap can’t fly back out. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024 Crews tried to enter from the front of the building, but were forced back out due to the heat and flames. Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024 The other surviving members were originally supposed to come, but drummer Dennis Elliott backed out two days ago. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for back out 

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back out was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near back out

Cite this Entry

“Back out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20out. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!