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 data-center project had been put on indefinite hold because the company behind it, Sentinel, had backed out.
    — Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • Manager Joe Espada considered sending Brown back out for the eighth, but settled for seven of the best innings any of his starters have thrown all season.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • The curious boys climbed onto the roof of their home for a better look, but climbed back down when scolded by their grandmother.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Once reports of the proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup broke last month, three confederations — Asia, Europe, and North America — along with anger from world leaders and dissenting FIFA staff pushed Infantino to back down.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of back down
Verb
  • 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
  • The case highlighted limits in Colorado's police oversight despite significant recent reforms aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.
    — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 22 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
  • And, Michelle, as Donna just pointed out, Jeanine Pirro says no to the president, backs off the charges, immediately gets attacked by both Doug Burgum and the president.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • When the wind switches or an outside factor becomes evident, Fox will back off his shot.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 20 July 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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