as in to back out
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicken (out)
Verb
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The Broncos’ offensive woes allowed San Jose State to stretch its lead back out to double digits, 67-56, across the next five minutes.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Mar. 2026 -
But after the firestorm of allegations included in the Times report, both of the event's major corporate sponsors -- American Express and Blackbird -- backed out, the Times reported Tuesday.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Storm glided back down the ramp and got into the face of Rousey.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 Mar. 2026
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Made in equal parts as creator Hugo Ensslin originally conceived it, the Green Chartreuse utterly dominates the experience, but back down the liqueur and boost the other two ingredients a touch, and the Tipperary is a bold but charming drink.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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To say these machines are too expense is a cop out.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
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Rather than throwing those bad cops out of the union and asking for better training so cops will never have to ask what to do when a fellow cop appears to have broken the law, Hendry encourages them.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some plants wimp out when temperatures soar—but not these heat-tolerant perennials.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
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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
Verb
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The governor backed off his battle with the oil companies last year after two refineries announced plans to close.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Mar. 2026
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The aim is to cut close where safe, back off where risky, and avoid getting stuck.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Mar. 2026
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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 19 Mar. 2026.
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