Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

coping mechanisms

  • plural
    of coping mechanism.
    coping mechanism
    noun
    an adaptation to environmental stress that is based on conscious or unconscious choice and that enhances control over behavior or gives psychological comfort.

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.

See Examples For:

It’s the antithesis of all the coping mechanisms that our culture almost demands you adopt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

To be honest, I wish I hadn’t developed so many coping mechanisms to offset my shyness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

For some, a combination of the two coping mechanisms works best.

From Slate ● Mar. 15, 2026

"It turns out that during peri-menopause as your oestrogen fluctuates it heightens the symptoms of ADHD, mainly emotional deregulation, and breaks down any coping mechanisms you've had up to that point."

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2025

In the next three sessions, we talked about patterns of behavior, family and workplace dynamics and coping mechanisms.

From Salon ● Sep. 22, 2025

More Suggestions