COP OUT 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

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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

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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

At the island’s northwestern tip, Malli (north) offers the ultimate secluded escape.

— Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
San Fruttuoso, although busy during the day in summer (there are frequent ferries from nearby towns like Camogli, Rapallo and Sestri Levante), becomes an escape-from-it-all retreat in the evening (the village has a population of less than 40).

— Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of escape

Verb

She was briefly considered to be a Taiwan People's Party legislator candidate, but had backed out owing to questions about her loyalty and affiliation with China.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Near the end of the story, Gardner pledges to kill his imaginary son to spare him war’s toll, but backs out upon his wish to be transformed into a noble soldier.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of back out

Noun

The View From Nigeria On July 31, Nigeria ordered all digital asset traders and exchanges to register for a tax identification number or face fines and a possible prison term, cracking down on tax evasion in its growing cryptocurrency market.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
In June, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued guidance to help banks spot patterns tied to unlawful employment, labor brokers, shell companies, payroll tax evasion and identity theft.

— Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of evasion

Verb

The curious boys climbed onto the roof of their home for a better look, but climbed back down when scolded by their grandmother.

— Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Once reports of the proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup broke last month, three confederations — Asia, Europe, and North America — along with anger from world leaders and dissenting FIFA staff pushed Infantino to back down.

— Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of back down

Noun

The article urges leaders to address issues directly, provide clear feedback, and prioritize ethical conduct over easy avoidance, emphasizing that true leadership means doing what's right, not what's convenient.

— Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
The front of the robot houses an AI Vision camera; ultrasonic and IR sensors that aid navigation, obstacle avoidance, and mapping; and a pair of LED lights for nighttime cleaning.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of avoidance

Verb

If the city backs off the video gambling rollout, Bally’s will once again ramp up construction at an accelerated pace on the full entertainment complex, sources said.

— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
But a New York Times report published Tuesday shows one of the most prominent GOP donors has quietly backed off.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of back off

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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cop-out

noun

verb

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