COPS OUT Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

cops out

verb

present tense third-person singular of cop out

as in backs out

to break a promise or agreement don't cop out on your promise to pay for the damage

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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 cops out 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cops out

Verb

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
Beyond that, a truce means whatever the negotiators will tolerate as long as none backs out of talks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of backs out

Verb

News to Know FIFA backs down Private investors will not be offered a stake in future World Cups, after all.

— Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
That perception risks fueling a cycle in which Iran escalates to impose greater costs, while neither side backs down for fear of losing credibility.

— Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 29 July 2026

Definition of backs down

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
And, Michelle, as Donna just pointed out, Jeanine Pirro says no to the president, backs off the charges, immediately gets attacked by both Doug Burgum and the president.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of backs off

Browse Nearby Words

copses

cops out

cops (to)

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“Cops out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cops%20out. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cops out

verb

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