wimp out

VERB

back down

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abandon admit back off back out backtrack balk cancel cave in concede give in give up pull back pull out renege retreat surrender take back withdraw

WEAK

accede acquiesce back pedal beg off bow out chicken out cop out demur give ground go back on have no fight left hold back recant recoil resign submit withdraw from agreement or statement yield

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance allow dispute dissent fight permit refuse reject uphold

WEAK

go forward

VERB

chicken out

Synonyms

WEAK

avoid back down back out back pedal beg off blow it off bow out cancel cop out funk out get cold feet give up give way go back on have no stomach for make concessions pull out recant renege resign scratch shy from surrender throw in the towel turn yellow weasel out wiggle out withdraw worm out yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"If you don't do it, I picked the wrong man four years ago," adding, "You're going to wimp out."

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2021

Like me, you probably hate to see a conspiracist wimp out of their beliefs just when it’s coming up roses for them.

From The Guardian • Oct. 6, 2020

Though thwarted in the past, the evil machines of the future refuse to wimp out.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2017

“Will it wimp out or really take off?”

From Nature • Apr. 2, 2014

Inkling promised it would work if I’d just commit myself and not wimp out.

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins