Synonyms of cop-out

cop-out 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäp-ˌau̇t 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• escape
• evasion
• avoidance
• elusion
• eschewal
• shunning
• dodging
• out
• ducking
• eschewing
• runaround
• circumvention
• eluding
• shaking
• bypassing
• sidestepping
• deflection
• skirting
• prevention
• obviation
• averting
• precluding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submission
• toleration
• endurance
• abidance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• back out
• back down
• back off
• recall
• withdraw
• go back on
• chicken (out)
• fink out
• renege
• take back
• retract
• wimp out
• beg off
• cry off
• recant
• backtrack
• backpedal
• disavow
• forswear
• abjure
• unsay
• repudiate
• abnegate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adhere (to)
• comply (with)
• follow through (with)
• keep
• satisfy
• honor
• fulfill

Example Sentences

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