Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of bulldoze are browbeat, bully, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When can browbeat be used instead of bulldoze?

The words browbeat and bulldoze can be used in similar contexts, but browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

In what contexts can bully take the place of bulldoze?

While the synonyms bully and bulldoze are close in meaning, 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 bulldoze?

Although the words cow and bulldoze have much in common, 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 might intimidate be a better fit than bulldoze?

The words intimidate and bulldoze are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

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 bulldoze Democrats accuse Musk of being an ominous figure with a tangle of conflicting business interests who bulldozes illegally into federal databases and government functions. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 13 Feb. 2025 If not, here’s a short synopsis: Green absolutely bulldozed a top tackle prospect in Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. Now Conerly certainly bounced back at Thursday’s final practice but the point is clear: talent always trumps school prestige. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2025 Compare that to Acacia, who allows Sam Star to bulldoze past her in every way this week. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 The group is racing to remove and preserve thousands of vintage and historically significant tiles from the Eaton fire burn zone before the properties are bulldozed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
Verb
  • Are Puerto Rican filmmakers pushing for this to change?
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Since then, both Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen have resumed firing rockets and missiles at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens in the center of the country; and Israeli ground forces have pushed into the Netzarim Corridor, once again cutting Gaza in half.
    Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Separately, the judge said Aidan Kearney, a local blogger who has closely covered the case and is also facing pending charges for allegedly intimidating witnesses, will be exempt from a witness sequestration order.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • While the towering shoes may seem intimidating, don’t let their large, often chunky heels fool you: PLatform shoes are among the most comfortable heels in any wardrobe.
    Nina Derwin, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For years, researchers have been experimenting with quantization techniques that squeeze their neural network weights into smaller memory envelopes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Consumer confidence has taken a nosedive in 2025 as Americans grow more concerned that inflation could spike again, and tariffs will squeeze their wallets.
    Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the novel and subsequent film adaptation, Sue initially joins in bullying Carrie but later decides to try to befriend her.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
  • With his carry-on bag, his ID and medication inside, now with the DEA, David had no choice but to step off the plane and was eventually bullied into permitting a search of his bag.
    Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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