OpenSynonym

backs out

/bæks aʊt/

VERB

1. To withdraw from a commitment or agreement

To decide not to fulfill a promise, agreement, obligation, or previously accepted commitment.

1.1. Withdrawing from a commitment or obligation

To abandon or withdraw from a promise, agreement, project, or responsibility that someone had previously agreed to undertake.

Synonyms

  • backs away
  • begs off
  • cries off
  • withdraws
  • reneges
  • goes back on
  • cops out
  • finks out

Antonyms

Examples

  • Backs out of commitments at the last minute, leaving others in a lurch.
  • She promised to help but then unexpectedly backs out of the project.

Related Words

1.2. Retracting a statement or position

To withdraw, deny, or take back a previously expressed statement, belief, claim, or position.

Synonyms

Related Words

  • annuls
  • counters
  • overturns
  • repeals
  • rescinds
  • revokes
  • reverses

1.3. Avoiding confrontation or difficult situations

To withdraw from a difficult conversation or challenging situation rather than face disagreement, conflict, or pressure.

Synonyms

Examples

  • He usually backs out of difficult conversations to avoid confrontation.

Related Words

  • retreats
  • yields
  • surrenders
  • avoids

VERB

2. To move backward out of a place

To move or drive backward while leaving a confined space or location.

2.1. Reversing a vehicle out of a parking space

To drive a vehicle backward out of a parking space, driveway, or other confined area.

Synonyms

  • reverses
  • backs up

Examples

  • The car hesitates and then abruptly backs out of the parking space.

Related Words

2.2. Retreating backward from a room or place

To move backward while leaving a room or location, often because of nervousness, hesitation, or an unexpected situation.

Synonyms

Examples

  • She nervously backs out of the room when she sees the unexpected guest.

Related Words