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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Cayden Addison, a seven-year-old Black boy battling a rare form Philadelphia chromosome acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), has had two donors back out on him. Pia Velasco, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024 The man seemingly backed out of the parking to prevent his license plate number from being captured. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bronny dribbled toward the baseline, then backed out, steadied himself, and knocked down a smooth jumpshot. Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2024 As reported by Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees had agreed to a deal with the Detroit Tigers ahead of the trade deadline, but New York backed out of the trade due to the right-hander’s medical records. Tyler Small, Forbes, 25 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 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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