chicken 1 of 2

as in coward
a person who shows a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger a staunch hawk during the drumbeat for war, he proved to be a chicken when it came to actually fighting it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

chicken

2 of 2

adjective

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 chicken
Noun
There are Italian classics of chicken Parmesan and Chicken Saltimbocca. Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 Going vegan is the best diet for the planet, but cutting out beef and lamb is as good as going vegetarian because beef and lamb are seven to 10 times worse than chicken or pork. Miami Herald, 10 July 2025 Sonic revealed its own take on chicken wraps with two new Crispy Tender Wraps. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 9 July 2025 Domesticating animals like cows, pigs, sheep and chickens created the perfect setup for zoonotic pathogens (microbes originating in animals) to jump into humans. New Atlas, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for chicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicken
Noun
  • Today’s Republican Party is a bunch of weak, spineless cowards who cower in obedient terror at Trump’s feet.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • Now, all of these cowards that were too scared to give us a chance [want to work with us] because there’s no risk involved anymore.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The look features bright coral eyeshadow covering the eyelid, a fuchsia shade in the crease, and a swipe of fluorescent yellow eyeliner on the outside half of the eye and right under the brow.
    Andrea Park, Teen Vogue, 20 July 2017
  • In addition to selling yellow mustard and hot sauce, the division makes ketchup, onion flavorings and other products.
    Nick Turner, Bloomberg.com, 19 July 2017
Adjective
  • Here’s why: Although technical specifications are still being worked out, the new standard could deliver nominal peak data rates of more than 40Gbps.
    Sarah Lord, PC Magazine, 1 July 2025
  • In practice, that has resulted in the actual levies on imports often being lower than the nominal rate initially announced by the White House.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The premise is that America is caught in a bind between a political left that’s too afraid of growth and a political right that hates government investment and involvement.
    Scott Peters, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • Don't be afraid to talk about your fears with family members, friends, a counselor or others who can offer emotional support.
    Sam Woodward, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • And when detecting the artist approaching flow, the device would emit a subtle cue — a slight change in the sound of their instrument or the lighting — to give the brain a subconscious boost and thereby accelerate and enhance one’s immersion into flow.
    Brandon Sneed, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025
  • Obviously, the lack of IBIS won't matter in the slightest for astrophotography.
    Kimberley Lane, Space.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • There’s people that are getting into trouble because the powers that be are scared, too.
    Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
  • Most notable in the repeat of Man of Steel elements and themes, there’s the Kryptonian message threatening earth, which makes the public scared, so Superman turns himself in to government authorities.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • One nautical mile west of Santorini, opposite the village of Oia and the caldera, lies the tiny island of Therasia, accessible via boat departing from Ammoudi Bay.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • The film community of Vancouver Island is tiny compared to the City of Vancouver’s Hollywood North hub.
    Jennie Punter, Variety, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Audience noises at the NRG Stadium in Houston went from frightened gasps to applause as the descent was completed.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 June 2025
  • Things were hectic in the mall, Stain, 45, said, with lots of frightened people running to the exits.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chicken. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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