Synonyms of bow out

bow out

verb

as in to lose

to undergo defeat

quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lose
• fall
• throw
• falter
• take the count
• strike out
• tank
• fail
• miss
• crack (up)
• wash out
• collapse
• forfeit
• founder
• fold
• flop
• bomb
• flunk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• win
• triumph
• prevail
• succeed
• conquer
• flourish
• thrive
• prosper

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bow out

The idea that Newsom would bow out to make room for Harris appears to catch Tapper by surprise. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026

There is no offseason from a city’s and a fanbase’s obsession, but last season has long been over, a fact that coach Ben Johnson has belabored since his team bowed out of the playoffs on an overtime field goal last January. — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

After bowing out of competition in Venice, the film will probably find a place to be on streaming. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

The announced exhibition tied to 2027's Met Gala—featuring the work of designer John Galliano—drew so much backlash that Galliano has bowed out. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026