as in coward
a person who shows a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger
a staunch hawk during the drumbeat for war, he proved to be a chicken when it came to actually fighting it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in yellow
having or showing a shameful lack of courage
too chicken to go through with the stunt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nominal
so small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention
just concentrate on the important duties of the job and forget about the chicken stuff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of chicken
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026
The spicy salsa and extra hot sauces are legendary, along with the green chicken enchiladas or fajitas.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
The main course options are pappardelle, four-cheese spinach lasagna or brick roasted chicken.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
Expect to see sheep, goats, chickens and an especially friendly cow, plus nursery plants and a vintage Porsche in the barn.
—Audrey T. Williams, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chicken
Noun
This hearty chicken and rice supper gets a fancy twist thanks to a rich gravy made with country ham and mushrooms.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026
The spicy salsa and extra hot sauces are legendary, along with the green chicken enchiladas or fajitas.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
The main course options are pappardelle, four-cheese spinach lasagna or brick roasted chicken.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
Expect to see sheep, goats, chickens and an especially friendly cow, plus nursery plants and a vintage Porsche in the barn.
—Audrey T. Williams, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicken
Noun
-
Please do not take the coward’s way.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
-
And Trump calls ’em almost like cowards.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Walking through its yellow halls was exactly like Paco detailed it, proving that listening to locals isn’t just about avoiding the obvious spots.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
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According to a district news release, Farmers Markets were set up on the school blacktops with tables of produce such as red apples, orange citrus, yellow squash, green broccoli and purple cabbage forming a rainbow of fruits and veggies.—
Del Mar Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Suggesting even nominal support for Israeli sovereignty over much of the Middle East is an unprecedented departure from American foreign policy.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
After weeks of price fluctuations, the white metal hit a nominal all-time high of over $110 per troy ounce in late January 2026 — a milestone that sent investors scrambling to try and capitalize on the metal's impressive price uptick.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Part of the answer should involve consideration of how goods can be distributed safely to families afraid of being exposed.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
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Twice in January, Fridley had to cancel classes because so many students and staff were afraid to come to school, according to the motion.—
Aki Nace,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There used to be a down season in Edinburgh, when Scotland's capital city—with its beautiful Gothic buildings, cobblestoned Royal Mile, and 12th-century castle keeping watch on a hilltop—caught a slight breather from tourists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Down two goals against an opponent also full of NHL players, the tournament favorite did not look the slightest bit shook.—
Stephen Whyno,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Seniors are scared for their Social Security and Medicare.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Even so, what a jolt to finally see Duvall’s pale, blond Boo hiding behind a door as though (justly) scared of the spotlight.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Even his tiny coffin was draped with a union jack.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
27 Feb. 2026
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The four treatment rooms look onto a tiny garden, and there's a 24-hour Technogym with full free weights, plus private studios for yoga and Pilates.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tharia’s Jane, meanwhile, is both vulnerable and volatile, sometimes letting slip a mass of frightened, warring impulses behind her still, steady gaze.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
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While protesters may be frightened and grieving after last month's bloodbath, they're not mollified.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chicken. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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