BROWBEAT Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'browbeat' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of browbeat are bulldoze , bully , cow , and intimidate . While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment. // browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Q: In what contexts can 'bulldoze' take the place of 'browbeat'?

In some situations, the words bulldoze and browbeat are roughly equivalent. However, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats. // bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

Q: When might 'bully' be a better fit than 'browbeat'?

The synonyms bully and browbeat are sometimes interchangeable, but bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior. // bullied into giving up their lunch money

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cow' instead of 'browbeat'?

The words cow and browbeat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost. // not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business

Q: When is 'intimidate' a more appropriate choice than 'browbeat'?

While in some cases nearly identical to browbeat , intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. // intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

browbeat

verb

ˈbrau̇-ˌbēt

Definition of browbeat next

as in to intimidate

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats they would often browbeat the younger child until he cried

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How is the word browbeat different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of browbeat are bulldoze, bully, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

In what contexts can bulldoze take the place of browbeat?

In some situations, the words bulldoze and browbeat are roughly equivalent. However, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When might bully be a better fit than browbeat?

The synonyms bully and browbeat are sometimes interchangeable, but bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When is it sensible to use cow instead of browbeat?

The words cow and browbeat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost.

not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business

When is intimidate a more appropriate choice than browbeat?

While in some cases nearly identical to browbeat, intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

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 browbeat In the following years, the interventionist strain of U.S. policymakers browbeat Europe, and Germany in particular, into submission. —

Thomas Meaney, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 In the early days of the conflict, after 17 African countries declined to back a UN resolution condemning Russia, several European diplomats assigned to African capitals made a grand show of browbeating African leaders for not taking a stand against the invasion. —

Nanjala Nyabola, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2022 Backed by the emphatic Make America Great Again movement, Trump and his allies are browbeating Haley to drop out, which is building up a cacophony of conservatives who resent her staying in the race. —

Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2024 Too many public schools use a curriculum that confuses browbeating for earnestness, and indoctrination for instruction. —

Adam M. Carrington, National Review, 17 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for browbeat