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
Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Baking soda can also be a useful way to tenderize ground beef, chicken, or pork.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
Burgers, hot dogs and chicken drumsticks will never fall out of favor for barbecue fare, but savvy grillmasters know to pepper the offerings with foods that will tempt palates in unique ways.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Core menu items such as pot roast and chicken and dumplings will stay on the menu, Moore said.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chicken
Noun
The baby turkey, named Megara, and five chickens are still missing, San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services said in a Facebook post.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Baking soda can also be a useful way to tenderize ground beef, chicken, or pork.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
Burgers, hot dogs and chicken drumsticks will never fall out of favor for barbecue fare, but savvy grillmasters know to pepper the offerings with foods that will tempt palates in unique ways.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Core menu items such as pot roast and chicken and dumplings will stay on the menu, Moore said.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicken
Noun
-
Today’s Republican Party is a bunch of weak, spineless cowards who cower in obedient terror at Trump’s feet.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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Now, all of these cowards that were too scared to give us a chance [want to work with us] because there’s no risk involved anymore.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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The look features bright coral eyeshadow covering the eyelid, a fuchsia shade in the crease, and a swipe of fluorescent yellow eyeliner on the outside half of the eye and right under the brow.—
Andrea Park,
Teen Vogue,
20 July 2017
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Three prominent Austin chefs teamed up with the Youngblood family to build a new restaurant from scratch that looks like a legacy chicken dinner house, down to the bright blue-and-yellow colors and the helpings of hot yeast rolls with honey.—
Bud Kennedy,
star-telegram,
19 July 2017
Adjective
-
Yet meticulous planning means that there is always a nuanced plan — 4-3-3 is his nominal starting formation, but individual roles are tweaked depending on the opposition.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
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The macro hasn't changed: chronic fiscal deficits, an eventual glide lower in real rates if nominal cuts meet sticky inflation, and incentives to keep liquidity flowing.—
Bob Haber,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Don’t be afraid to give your rooms multiple purposes Take advantage of the various nooks and crannies in your home.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
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Make sure to water regularly, especially in warmer months, and don’t be afraid to switch out plants seasonally to keep your containers fresh.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Rivera pushed through her routine, adapting to slight errors and fighting for the landing on the dismount.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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These intimate scenes in the upstairs bedroom are the most effective of the entire production, even though the slight attempts at audience interaction don’t make much sense in this context.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
When a United Airlines flight issued a mayday call shortly after departure, passengers onboard were doubtlessly scared.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
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Ball also claimed in the new interview that Anne, now 74, was not scared of him.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The tiny matching spoon fits perfectly inside the lid of the jam jar, and the jar even comes with a circular spoon rest. Serve up your favorite jams of the season, or use the jar in a gift basket alongside homemade creations during the holidays.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
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Although, her selection of dazzling looks in and of themselves were enough to distract fans from the tiny blip.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But Wall Street doesn't seem as frightened of tariffs anymore.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
29 July 2025
-
As of Monday afternoon, Dickson still wasn’t sure whether someone punched through the window, or if her frightened dog, who heard numerous rounds of shots fired throughout the afternoon, tried to break free.—
Sofi Zeman
July 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chicken. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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