bow out
3 antonyms for bow out — opposites grouped by meaning.
Verb — To withdraw from a contest, role or commitment, especially gracefully and by your own choice.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To withdraw from a contest, role or commitment, especially gracefully and by your own choice.
“She bowed out of the race two weeks before the vote.”
Opposites
2. verb
Of a team or competitor, to be eliminated from a competition.
“They bowed out in the quarter-finals on penalties.”
Antonyms
How to use bow out
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bow out gracefully
bow out of the race
bow out at the top
bow out in the semi-finals
Neutral and common in journalism, especially sport and politics. It carries a note of dignity that 'quit' or 'drop out' does not.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'bow out' and 'back out'?
'Bow out' is a dignified departure, often after a long involvement, and implies no fault. 'Back out' means withdrawing from something you had already agreed to, and usually suggests you have let someone down.
Does 'bow out' mean to retire?
It can, and it is a common polite way of saying so. But it also covers leaving a single race, contest or project, not just ending a whole career.
