COP-OUTS Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

cop-out 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäp-ˌau̇t

Definition of cop-out

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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Rather than throwing those bad cops out of the union and asking for better training so cops will never have to ask what to do when a fellow cop appears to have broken the law, Hendry encourages them. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 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

Noun

In the finale, the last two contestants face a head-to-head escape where only one can win.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
There was the Dolphins’ play of the day that ultimately wasn’t — a nimble escape from pressure and a dart to Chris Bell, who would have scored a 68-yard TD if one of his toes hadn’t grazed the sideline.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of escape

Verb

But Baltimore backed out of its trade for Maxx Crosby, and thus this Chiefs-Raiders game, like many in the past, will have the Chiefs’ best player under fire from the top player on the other side.

— Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
The Yankees were up and down, and back out on defense within what felt like a matter of seconds.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of back out

Noun

For example, Washington experienced an 82% drop in fare evasion in 2024 after installing more secure fare gates on its rail system.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
For example, ProPublica was able to expose the tax-evasion practices of wealthy sports teams owners in 2021.

— Alex Volonte, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of evasion

Verb

However, a lack of specifics boiled over after Meta's second-quarter earnings miss and disappointing guidance in late July, sending the stock right back down.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
The perception surely irked a man who was just following organizational advice, but Claire never backed down from his role in the deal.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of back down

Noun

Haloed in distorted guitar and jagged synths, Wolf comes off as a champion of her own avoidance, her heroism charmingly pathetic.

— Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Families of the victims say the findings strengthen their call for Congress to require collision-avoidance technology as lawmakers work to reconcile competing aviation safety bills.

— Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of avoidance

Verb

Costello almost released his earliest recordings 35 years ago, then backed off.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2026
After intense opposition from environmentalists and local residents and business owners, the agency backed off plans this year to build a 30-foot-tall bollard wall through the park.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of back off

Verb

From Fall 2019, Vaccarello’s collections began not only to recall Saint Laurent’s gestures, but to expand upon and modernize them — testing the extremes of the founder’s silhouettes and codes to generate almost unbearable visual tension.

— Luke Leitch, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
One lot of a dietary supplement for babies has been voluntarily recalled due to alcohol content.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of recall

Browse Nearby Words

copiousness

cop-out

cop out

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Style

“Cop-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cop-out. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cop-out

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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