as in to chicken (out)
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Recent Examples of wimp out
Some plants wimp out when temperatures soar—but not these heat-tolerant perennials.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
These thick, long-lasting steamers will never wimp out mid-shower, and the cute packaging sure doesn't hurt either.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 16 Mar. 2025
There is a chance that central banks will wimp out and blink, and not be willing to fight inflation.
—Nouriel Roubini, Time, 13 Oct. 2022
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
These thick, long-lasting steamers will never wimp out mid-shower, and the cute packaging sure doesn't hurt either.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 16 Mar. 2025
There is a chance that central banks will wimp out and blink, and not be willing to fight inflation.
—Nouriel Roubini, Time, 13 Oct. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wimp out
Verb
-
The conflict threatened to explode again on Monday, when Iran and Israel fired missiles at each other before both sides backed down.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
-
But then a pair of comfortable Adidas sneakers appear, bringing her back down to Earth despite the dreamlike quality of the dress and the romantic allure of seeing Brad Pitt by her side.—
Arancha Gamo,
Glamour,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The former is set up the same way, with Sam refusing to kiss Percy during a game of truth or dare, only for Charlie to swoop in — and ultimately back out in the show.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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Sources said a different Big 12 team, TCU, was the initial target before backing out of what essentially is a home game for the Aztecs.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 June 2026
Verb
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To conclude the mission, the lander would launch back off the moon and dock again with Orion, which would fly the crew back home to Earth.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
10 June 2026
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The captain backed off, but Curry never forgot the look in his eyes, or the venom in his voice.—
Clint Smith,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
The case, which has only recently come to the attention of POST officials, highlights the limits of state oversight even after lawmakers passed significant police reform aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wimp out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wimp%20out. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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