cop-out 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cop-out (audio)
Definition of cop-outnext
as in escape
the act or a means of getting or keeping away from something undesirable I think that saying you're sick is just a cop-out to get out of going to work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cop out

2 of 2

verb

as in to back out
to break a promise or agreement don't cop out on your promise to pay for the damage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cop-out
Noun
Maybe that’s a cop-out — an excuse to not deliver the narrative oomph most features need to feel substantial, or worthwhile. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Feb. 2026 Retreating to one’s room in the middle of the day feels like a cop-out at many places, but here the indoor-outdoor flow transforms a late-afternoon nap into a pleasure without the guilt. — Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
Climb the 900-odd steps (or cop out in a car) for a walk through its eight baroque bastions and some breathtaking views. — Helen Brown, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026 Herman views the administration’s statements about the complexity of the refund process—and the need for the CIT’s intervention—as a bit of a cop out. — Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cop-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cop-out
  1. escape
  2. back out
  3. evasion
  4. back down
  5. avoidance
  6. back off
  7. recall
Noun
  • Soak-the-rich policies can only work if there are no escape routes left open with names like Texas and Florida.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • If the atom was originally in its lowest possible energy state, the new arrival immediately defines a new set of energy levels, like a fire-escape ladder that suddenly descends.
    — George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of escape
Verb
  • When the bidding escalated beyond his threshold, Baffert’s money man backed out, but the trainer, too far gone on the horse, kept raising his hand.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Global temperatures could overshoot targets in the short term, so long as enough carbon was eventually sucked back out of the air to bring those temperatures back down.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of back out
Noun
  • Flávio Bolsonaro is under investigation by Brazil's Supreme Court, accused of corruption, money laundering and tax evasion.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Both companies, along with seven individuals, were criminally charged in June on 25 counts, including manslaughter, money laundering and tax evasion.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of evasion
Verb
  • With three running backs down, TCU will lean on sophomore Jon Denman and potentially two true freshmen.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Global temperatures could overshoot targets in the short term, so long as enough carbon was eventually sucked back out of the air to bring those temperatures back down.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of back down
Noun
  • Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Despite a tax-avoidance scandal with the IRS in 1996 involving the Florida and California castles, the Medieval Times brand grew, establishing 10 castles across North America by 2019.
    — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of avoidance
Verb
  • Territorial Dominance When smaller birds back off from a confrontation and cede their spot at the feeder, blue jays look even more hostile.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Florida appears to have backed off its plans to spend nearly $200 million in federal funds meant for electric car chargers on flying cars instead, according to documents obtained by the Miami Herald.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of back off
Verb
  • The prospective expert did not recall the names of both prosecutors who attended the eventual in-person meeting.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Under Milei and Lula, Argentina and Brazil have had a rocky relationship, which took a decisive turn for the worse in July when Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Milei insulted Brazilian officials while in the country.
    — Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of recall

Browse Nearby Words

copiousness
cop-out
cop out
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Cite this Entry

“Cop-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cop-out. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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