bow out

Definition of bow outnext
as in to lose
to undergo defeat quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bow out Paramount raised its offer last week, and Netflix then opted to bow out rather than take part in a bidding war. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026 Although the Matildas bowed out to England in the semi-finals at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosting the tournament with New Zealand had a transformative effect on women’s soccer across the country. Michael Bailey, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2026 But then came Thursday afternoon’s swift announcement that the streamer had bowed out. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026 Two Charlotte restaurants are bowing out of the city’s dining scene. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bow out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bow out
Verb
  • Fine’s husband, Michael, lost an arm after a car crash in 2010, setting off her yearslong work on health care legislation.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • This is the mayor’s second attempt at a higher office, after losing a 2018 bid for governor against Pritzker.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • By late Sunday night into Monday midday, a strong cold front clears the region, ending the storms and bringing gusty winds with falling temperatures through the day.
    Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Outside of Wall Street, stock indexes fell sharply in Europe following their wipeouts on Thursday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bow out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bow%20out. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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