cop-out 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cop-out (audio)
Definition of cop-outnext
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
  1. escape
  2. back out
  3. evasion
  4. back down
  5. avoidance
  6. back off
  7. recall
Noun
  • Located about 25 minutes outside of Austin, this Texas Hill Country resort delivers a lakefront escape on Lake Travis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Turquoise lagoons, villas suspended above the Indian Ocean, the promise of almost total escape.
    — Lela London, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of escape
Verb
  • The processor wakes up, pulls that data back out, runs inference, writes results back to memory and sends output somewhere else.
    — David Schie, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • After backing out those sectors, the economy would’ve added 70,000 jobs, in line with Wall Street’s consensus, instead of losing 23,000 jobs.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of back out
Noun
  • When Spiro Agnew resigned in disgrace over tax evasion, Kennerly was tapped to photograph one of his potential replacements as vice president, Gerald Ford.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • But the ambassador retorts with evasion, keeping the language cryptic.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of evasion
Verb
  • The build plate is completely flat, which prevents resin from dripping back down into the resin tray.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Quincy Mayor Tom Koch is not backing down and has downplayed the religious meaning of the statues.
    — Neal Riley, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of back down
Noun
  • Ten vessels were identified as allegedly providing logistical cover, detection avoidance and, in one case, direct cocaine transport as part of the scheme.
    — Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Madelyn also has pathological demand avoidance, like Jack Davis, and sensory processing disorder, a neurological condition.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of avoidance
Verb
  • Cinema United, the movie theater trade organization, once vociferously opposed to the merger, backed off Tuesday and called for a settlement to avoid industry uncertainty.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Los Angeles district attorney has backed off felony charges against a police officer who secretly recorded his colleagues making racist remarks after facing criticism the response was too harsh and could deter whistleblowers from coming forward.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of back off
Verb
  • The advisory follows glutathione’s use in the Altadena and Spokane wildfires and recalls at two pharmacies, where usage was linked to fevers, chills, severe headaches and other symptoms.
    — Martha Bellisle, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The memories will come rushing back for Husker fans recalling their 62-24 Fiesta Bowl win against the Gators to claim the 1995 national title.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of recall

Browse Nearby Words

copiousness
cop-out
cop out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cop-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cop-out. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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