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 In the 1970s, Lynne was the King of Pop, or at least the king of hooks that popped into your head and never popped back out. Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024 This was corrected by backing out of the app info page and hopping back in. PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024 During the 60 Minutes election special, the show made clear that Trump had agreed to do an interview before backing out of it. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024 Slowly extend your arms back out to the starting position. Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for back out 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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