as in loses
to undergo defeat
quite embarrassingly, the top-seeded player bowed out in the first round of competition
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bows out
Herman said in many ways, the state law is more stringent than the Clean Water Act, so even if the EPA bows out of regulating Southern California’s ditch system, the state’s rules might prevent pollution from flowing.
—
Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
Behold the golden-orange horizon over Kitt Peak National Observatory, a fiery twilight moment where day bows out and the stars prepare their grand entrance.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Vegas ends up in a wild-card spot and bows out in the opening round.
—The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The news comes as the Weeknd bows out.
—Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025
That’s right, Foundation season three bows out with a shot at Earth itself and two robots living on the moon.
—Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
In an Instagram reel posted on her page (also shared by YouTube page My Husband is My Best Friend), the Basketball Wives LA star is sipping wine and engaging in tourist behavior like exploring monumental cathedrals with the Sacramento Kings coach before summer 2025 bows out.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025
Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
Behold the golden-orange horizon over Kitt Peak National Observatory, a fiery twilight moment where day bows out and the stars prepare their grand entrance.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Vegas ends up in a wild-card spot and bows out in the opening round.
—The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The news comes as the Weeknd bows out.
—Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025
That’s right, Foundation season three bows out with a shot at Earth itself and two robots living on the moon.
—Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
In an Instagram reel posted on her page (also shared by YouTube page My Husband is My Best Friend), the Basketball Wives LA star is sipping wine and engaging in tourist behavior like exploring monumental cathedrals with the Sacramento Kings coach before summer 2025 bows out.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bows out
Verb
-
The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
-
If his preferred candidate loses, Newsom could emerge politically weakened, possibly undercutting his standing ahead of a 2028 presidential bid.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lawrence, though, is widely regarded as a top-five player at his position, whereas Greenard falls around 15th among edge rushers in most meaningful metrics.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The 44% theory Steve Dittmore admits that his research interest, the relationship of athletics and enrollment at small colleges, falls pretty far outside of the mainstream, even in the already-niche world of sports and higher ed.—
Mark Dent,
thehustle.co,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But even if Ohtani falters against the Giants, who rank near the bottom of the league in runs scored per game, that will not be a death knell to his candidacy.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
As funding falters, the need for city government to step into the shoes of philanthropists like Gund and Lauder becomes even more vital.—
Gale Brewer,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bows out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bows%20out. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
