chickened (out)

past tense of chicken (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chickened (out)
Verb
  • Trump had earlier suggested Chicago could be the next target of a National Guard deployment but has since backed off out of concern that doing so without Pritzker’s agreement could create legal headache, sources familiar with the matter told CNN last month.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
  • When Parsons then tried to get his agent involved before putting ink to paper, Jones backed off the deal.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Series star James Van Der Beek backed out last minute due to illness, but still made a surprise appearance at the event in a sweet video message for attendees and his fellow cast members.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Utah prep receiver Kai Meza backed out of his commitment to the Gophers football program on Sunday.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kimmel is once again on the air throughout the country now that rebellious affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair have backed down and agreed to resume airing his ABC late-night show after a weeklong standoff.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Danford also hasn’t backed down from physical plays in ugly areas while defending.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Chickened (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chickened%20%28out%29. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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