chicken (out)

verb

Definition of chicken (out)next
as in to back out

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicken (out)
  1. back out
  2. back down
  3. cop out
  4. wimp out
  5. back off
Verb
  • Also, the Valkyries are a team that brought somebody back out of retirement.
    — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But after the Halfway 2 Jesus tracklist was revealed, Eminem reached back out to Rock with a change of heart.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of back out
Verb
  • And the thrusters can get it into the air, or back down to earth safely.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Deforestation in the Amazon soared under former President Bolsonaro, while Lula has brought it back down to the lowest in a decade.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of back down
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
Verb
  • 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
Definition of wimp out
Verb
  • Traoré’s explosive first step gives defenders a reason to back off.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Four-star offensive lineman Jatori Williams backed off his commitment, announcing his decision on social media.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of back off
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.

Browse Nearby Words

chicken-livered
chicken (out)
chickens
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Cite this Entry

“Chicken (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chicken%20%28out%29. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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