beg off

VERB

back down

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abandon admit back off back out backtrack balk cancel cave in concede give in give up pull back pull out renege retreat surrender take back withdraw

WEAK

accede acquiesce back pedal bow out chicken out cop out demur give ground go back on have no fight left hold back recant recoil resign submit wimp out withdraw from agreement or statement yield

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance allow dispute dissent fight permit refuse reject uphold

WEAK

go forward

VERB

back out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

back down cancel give up renege surrender

WEAK

avoid back pedal blow it off chicken out cop out get cold feet go back on recant resign scratch shy from throw in the towel weasel out wiggle out worm out

VERB

chicken out

Synonyms

WEAK

avoid back down back out back pedal blow it off bow out cancel cop out funk out get cold feet give up give way go back on have no stomach for make concessions pull out recant renege resign scratch shy from surrender throw in the towel turn yellow weasel out wiggle out wimp out withdraw worm out yield

VERB

refuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decline ignore protest rebuff reject turn down withdraw withhold

STRONG

demur desist disaccord disallow disapprove dissent dodge evade nix regret repel reprobate repudiate shun spurn

WEAK

brush off dispense with give thumbs down to hold back hold off hold out make excuses not budge not budget not buy not care to pass up refuse to receive send off send regrets set aside turn away turn deaf ear to turn from turn one's back on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accept allow approve

STRONG

agree consent endorse face meet sanction

WEAK

OK grant offer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So I think we shouldn't beg off the responsibility to understand it.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2024

McCann, then 30, told them he needed to beg off.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 21, 2023

Just make enough plans for it not to feel weird — and actually show up for them, too, through the temptation to beg off and stay home instead.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2022

I had the beginnings of a sore throat and used that as an excuse to beg off.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2021

He felt a sudden need to move his bowels, but knew he dare not beg off now.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

beg off

Example Sentences

Related Words