wimp out

verb

Definition of wimp outnext
as in to chicken (out)

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wimp out
  1. back down
  2. back out
  3. back off
  4. cop out
Verb
  • Both Iran and the United States are likely to remain locked in conflict because each side sees continued escalation as serving its strategic interests, while the costs of backing down have increased.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Hiring picked up in the early part of this year but settled back down in June, with the economy adding a lower-than-expected 57,000 jobs.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of back down
Verb
  • He was supposed to be a defense witness at Smith’s trial but backed out at the last minute.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
  • Royal got back into his car, backed out and started to leave.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • The officers backed off after firing and could see McAlpin was still moving inside the vehicle.
    — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • The Dolphins’ starting inside linebacker never backed off that claim, and never apologized for it either.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of back off
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 highlighted limits in Colorado's police oversight despite significant recent reforms aimed at forcing dishonest cops out of the profession.
    — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 22 May 2026
Definition of cop out

Browse Nearby Words

wimpishness
wimp out
wimps
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Cite this Entry

“Wimp out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wimp%20out. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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