backed out
/bækt aʊt/
VERB
1. To withdraw from an agreement or commitment
To decide not to fulfill a promise, agreement, arrangement, or obligation that one had previously accepted.
1.1. Breaking a promise or agreement
Describes withdrawing from a commitment or failing to honor an agreement, especially after previously agreeing to participate or perform an obligation.
Synonyms
- reneged
- went back on
- backed out of
- withdrew
- defaulted
- failed to honor
- broke one's promise
Antonyms
Examples
- The contractor backed out of the agreement just before construction began.
- The investor backed out of the deal after reviewing the financial risks.
- He backed out of his promise to help organize the event.
Related Words
- commitment
- promise
- agreement
- obligation
- contract
- withdrawal
- cancellation
- responsibility
1.2. Withdrawing from a planned activity
Refers to abandoning an intended activity, project, competition, or arrangement after initially agreeing or planning to participate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- participated
- proceeded
- continued
- followed through
Examples
- The athlete backed out of the competition because of an injury.
- Several companies backed out of the project when costs increased.
- She backed out of the trip at the last minute.
Related Words
- participation
- involvement
- withdrawal
- cancellation
- resignation
- departure
- disengagement
VERB
2. To retreat from a position or decision
To abandon a previously expressed position, opinion, or intention, particularly after facing opposition, pressure, or uncertainty.
2.1. Yielding to pressure or opposition
Describes giving up resistance or changing one's position when confronted with strong disagreement, criticism, or pressure.
Synonyms
- backed down
- yielded
- conceded
- relented
- retreated
- gave in
- gave ground
- backed off
Antonyms
- stood firm
- resisted
- persisted
- held out
- stood one's ground
Examples
- The company backed out after facing strong opposition from local residents.
- The politician backed out of the proposal following widespread criticism.
- Neither party wanted to back out of its original demands.
Related Words
- opposition
- resistance
- confrontation
- concession
- compromise
- negotiation
- defiance
2.2. Retracting a statement or claim
Refers to taking back or disavowing a previously expressed opinion, accusation, promise, or assertion.
Synonyms
- retracted
- recanted
- backtracked
- disavowed
- repudiated
- renounced
- took back
- forswore
Antonyms
Examples
- The spokesperson backed out of the earlier claim after new evidence emerged.
- He backed out of his accusation during the investigation.
- The organization backed out of its previous public position.
Related Words
- retraction
- correction
- disclaimer
- withdrawal
- admission
- assertion
- declaration
VERB
3. To abandon something because of fear or hesitation
To withdraw from an intended action or undertaking because of nervousness, fear, uncertainty, or a loss of confidence.
3.1. Losing courage or confidence
Describes abandoning an activity or challenge after becoming frightened, nervous, or uncertain about proceeding.
Synonyms
- chickened out
- copped out
- wimped out
- got cold feet
- begged off
- cried off
- shied away
Antonyms
- dared
- proceeded
- persevered
- followed through
- went ahead
Examples
- He backed out of the challenge when he realized how dangerous it was.
- She got cold feet and backed out of the public speaking competition.
- The participant backed out at the last moment because of nervousness.
Related Words
- fear
- hesitation
- nervousness
- reluctance
- uncertainty
- courage
- determination
- confidence