as in to back out
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicken (out)
Verb
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When Harper asks Pam if anyone ever left the group after just one turn of the Wheel, Pam — a true believer — can’t fathom backing out of the group.—
Jim Ruland,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025 -
Finding his courage, Spike convinces his mom to follow him back out into the world, hoping to find a cure or simply some kind of explanation.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Newton challenged her stance, questioning how her comments aligned with the idea of uplifting women, but Michelle didn’t back down.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
16 June 2025
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That means that for years, garbage trucks had to back down this dead end to make pickups -- a regular, noisy nuisance.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 June 2025
Verb
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The relative lack of substance across the board can’t help feeling like a cop out for a show that’s been capable of a lot more.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
14 June 2025
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About 20 minutes later, the two cops out in front were joined by a third officer.—
Melody Chiu,
People.com,
7 Jan. 2025
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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With one out and nobody on base, Padres starter Randy Vásquez threw an inside, knee-high heater for ball one, brushing Ohtani back off the plate.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
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On Friday, police Capt. Charles Lara said the department has since backed off that practice in order to come into full compliance with state law known as SB 34, which dictates what can be shared with out-of-state or federal agencies.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2025
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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 1 Jul. 2025.
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