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
  • Finally, as if to ward off any lingering party-going spirits, hotel security calmly ushered everyone back out into the witching hour.
    — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026
  • It’s been about a two-year process to put the book back out in the world, TCU Press director Dan Williams said.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • At one point, the audience tentatively started clapping then quickly quieted back down.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Amodei had refused to back down over concerns the company’s products could be used for mass surveillance or autonomous armed drones.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 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
  • Her biggest gripe was with the aviation industry and its longstanding rule that flight attendants aren’t paid until the plane backs off from the gate (or the aircraft doors are closed).
    — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Stocks also got a boost yesterday when the 10-year Treasury yield backed off from highs not seen in almost three years.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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