chicken (out)

verb

Definition of chicken (out)next
as in to back out

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicken (out)
  1. back out
  2. back down
  3. cop out
  4. wimp out
  5. back off
Verb
  • The Sooners got the ball back out of the break and went up 17-0 on the third play, a 32-yard pass from Mateer to Rocky Beers up the middle.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • McLaren Racing wants to see some of its finest cars back out on the track.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • But experts caution that escalating pressure does not necessarily mean Tehran will back down.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … RED FUNDING FIGHT — $40M Singham money trail sparks House showdown as nonprofits refuse to back down.
    — , FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of back down
Verb
  • Lozano Garita said as he was led by cops out of the 101st Precinct stationhouse Tuesday afternoon to be arraigned in Queens Criminal Court.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Definition of cop out
Verb
  • Some plants wimp out when temperatures soar—but not these heat-tolerant perennials.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
  • These thick, long-lasting steamers will never wimp out mid-shower, and the cute packaging sure doesn't hurt either.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of wimp out
Verb
  • The first time, her 6-year-old child was close to harming our infant daughter, and my husband asked him to back off — not unkindly, and only after giving the neighbor a chance to intercede first.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The idea isn’t to wall the kitchen back off but to declutter it, giving everyday clutter a place to disappear so the room looks calmer and more polished.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of back off
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.

Browse Nearby Words

chicken-livered
chicken (out)
chickens
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Cite this Entry

“Chicken (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chicken%20%28out%29. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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