cop-out 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cop out

2 of 2

verb

Examples 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
And that is not a cop-out answer, but the correct answer. Dane Brugler, The Athletic, 21 Aug. 2024 So many movies depict tech bringing out the worst in people, leaving us with the sort of cop-out villainy of computers are bad! Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2024 But to shift that responsibility back onto your consumers (by enticing them with a gift card) feels like a cop-out. Lindy Segal, Curbed, 18 Sep. 2024 Alcohol was frequently mentioned as a contributing factor to this mindset, suggesting that—in some cases—intoxication provided an easy cop-out for the affair. Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 It’s often dismissed as a trivial punishment for children, or as an easy cop-out for difficult conversations. Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 Refusing to continue isn’t a cop-out so much as an affirmation of everything else precious that fills one’s days. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2024 But in addition to being just plain dumb, that conclusion also seems like a cop-out. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 3 May 2024 Calling the cops is in effect a cop-out, an abdication of universities’ role as clearinghouses of debate and ideas. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2024
Verb
Who's the cat that won't cop out when there's danger all about? Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024 He was walked by cops out of the 105th Precinct in handcuffs Thursday morning and later arraigned in Queens Criminal Supreme Court on murder charges. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 30 May 2024 As for Butler, his answer was Timothée Chalamet, which is a cop out. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2024 The performances by Robert De Niro and Al Pacino as, respectively, a thief and the cop out to catch him bring such intensity and power to the film. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2024 Needless to say, my hot glue gun gets a lot of action, and after my last one copped out, my shopping research brought me to a life-changing discovery: cordless glue guns actually exist. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 Plus, fashion needs to be breathable in the summer months, and what’s an easy cop out for stuffy styles? Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 22 June 2023 But to critics, that has seemed like a cop out, and rejection of the more forceful position of oil majors such as ExxonMobil and BP that have endorsed a carbon price. Josh Siegel, Washington Examiner, 14 Jan. 2021 Terrible cop out of a call. Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Jan. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cop-out
Noun
  • The Escape From Tarkov Halloween event is in full swing and after a new patch earlier today two new quests have been added, as well as multiple changes being made to the zombie spawn rate.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
  • This non-escapist escape distinguishes On the Wandering Path from most contemporary movies.
    Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This summer, the moment felt right for Purpura to reach back out to Hart.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The soap ensures that gnats who enter the trap can’t fly back out.
    Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In 2022, the company agreed to pay roughly $60 million (55.8 million euros) to settle a tax evasion investigation in Italy.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • American Speed follows the three race car-driving Whittington brothers, two of whom were involved in the IMSA scandal in the 1980s that saw numerous drivers charged with funding their racing through money from drug smuggling, tax evasion and laundering.
    Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The main source of that message has been Trump, who has never backed down from his claims that the 2020 elections were stolen from him.
    Simon Shuster, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Petty didn’t back down and MCA changed their plans, enshrining his reputation as an honorable guy who cared more about his fans than his own bottom line.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • However, more expensive models are generally equipped with advanced features like smart mapping and obstacle avoidance.
    Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump practiced the politics of avoidance Tuesday in Pennsylvania.
    David Jackson, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • On Tuesday, the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee backed off, voting to keep the film credit in place while cutting the cap, starting next year.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
  • That could have meant dissolving or merging parts of the district with neighboring districts, but after strong pushback from the community, the state backed off its orders.
    Yesenia Robles, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • To recall the authentic flavors of Barcelona this festive season, here are nine wine gifts from Catalonia to delight the wine connoisseur in your life.
    Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Instead of selecting anything for herself, the girl gathered nonperishable food, hygiene products and socks, Henry recalled.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near cop-out

Cite this Entry

“Cop-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cop-out. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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