cop-out 1 of 2

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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cop out

2 of 2

verb

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
Ultimately, the labor export program shouldn’t be seen as a cop-out by the government but rather as a single element of a much larger jobs plan that ought to prioritize opportunities in the country. Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 20 June 2025 Such a cop-out is the underlying, depressing reality with all of these remakes: No change can be too daring, no update too significant. David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025 Many would have to raise their taxes as most do not allow for deficit spending (for the federal government, the optimal cop-out). Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2025 Of course, there will always be times when a company catches you by surprise and lists your name along with other underperforming employees in a cop-out to cover their atrocious layoffs. Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 That may sound like a cop-out, but the word has a deeper resonance on a show about women over 50. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025 As a result, a conclusion that seems like it’s supposed to be shocking lands as a glib, abrupt cop-out. Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025 As a result, a conclusion that seems like it’s supposed to be shocking lands as a glib, abrupt cop-out. Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025 This may seem like a cop-out and a way of avoiding getting caught up in the current attack on the trans community, but Coon doesn’t believe the choice has anything to do with White’s willingness to engage in important dialogues. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
The relative lack of substance across the board can’t help feeling like a cop out for a show that’s been capable of a lot more. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 14 June 2025 About 20 minutes later, the two cops out in front were joined by a third officer. Melody Chiu, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 The judges avoid giving critiques to the girls this week but do talk among one another, which is kind of weird but also means that nobody gets to cop out of Rate-a-Queen and just imitate the judges. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025 Sometimes that feels like a bit of a cop out. Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Sep. 2024 About 20 minutes later, the two cops out in front were joined by a third officer. Melody Chiu, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 The judges avoid giving critiques to the girls this week but do talk among one another, which is kind of weird but also means that nobody gets to cop out of Rate-a-Queen and just imitate the judges. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025 Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, also condemned Israel’s move dubbing it a cop out. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024 Who's the cat that won't cop out when there's danger all about? Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cop-out
Noun
  • Authorities have arrested at least 16 people who are accused of aiding the escape of the inmates.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2025
  • Sheriff Susan Hutson, whose department operates the jail and has faced intense scrutiny over the escapes, personally received the tip Friday morning that led to the arrest.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • When Harper asks Pam if anyone ever left the group after just one turn of the Wheel, Pam — a true believer — can’t fathom backing out of the group.
    Jim Ruland, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
  • Another long time partner, Recess is heading back out to Montauk as the official mocktail partner of the season.
    Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • In the short clip, Julie shared her reaction to learning that President Donald Trump granted her and her husband Todd Chrisley full pardons, relieving them of the serving the remainder of their 2022 sentence for bank fraud and tax evasion.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • The pair was accused of running a scheme that, through fraudulent loans, defrauded the IRS and committed tax evasion.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Newton challenged her stance, questioning how her comments aligned with the idea of uplifting women, but Michelle didn’t back down.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 16 June 2025
  • That means that for years, garbage trucks had to back down this dead end to make pickups -- a regular, noisy nuisance.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Organizational Consequences Of Dysregulation When leaders consistently model unregulated behavior—whether through avoidance, defensiveness or outbursts—the effects permeate the organization.
    Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The rest are basically asking teams not to be too terrible in categories like clutch hitting, home run avoidance on the mound, contact hitting and speed.
    Neil Paine, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • With one out and nobody on base, Padres starter Randy Vásquez threw an inside, knee-high heater for ball one, brushing Ohtani back off the plate.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • On Friday, police Capt. Charles Lara said the department has since backed off that practice in order to come into full compliance with state law known as SB 34, which dictates what can be shared with out-of-state or federal agencies.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • These board members are unfit to serve and must be recalled to restore accountability and public confidence.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • Verlander placed on paternity list The Giants placed right-hander Justin Verlander on the paternity list prior to Friday’s game and recalled infielder Brett Wisely from Triple-A Sacramento.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cop-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cop-out. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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