BULLDOZE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

bulldoze

verb

ˈbu̇l-ˌdōz

Definition of bulldoze next

as in to push

to force one's way bulldozed through the crowd at the arena, urgently trying to find the bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to intimidate

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats one of those gatherings at which high-pressure sales reps try to bulldoze naive people into buying time-shares

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 bulldoze Meanwhile, Jax is a terrifying powerhouse who bulldozes through the competition. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 But the Ravens head into town with a new look on offense, specifically in the backfield, where veteran bulldozing running back Derrick Henry joins a group that also sports budding star receiver Zay Flowers and Jackson’s trusty tight end, Mark Andrews. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 5 Sep. 2024 No, the devastation comes in dribs and drabs, via sporadic incursions over years: a home bulldozed here, a well filled with concrete there, a 2 AM home invasion there. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 Raids and airstrikes in the West Bank The activist’s death comes nine days after Israel’s military launched one of its most expansive operations in the West Bank in years, carrying out raids, bulldozing highways, and launching airstrikes in multiple parts of the occupied territory. —

Mick Krever, CNN, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bulldoze

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze

Verb

Lock then made two starts before the heel and elbow injuries pushed DeVito back into the starting role.

Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
That's something Republicans in the Senate have pushed back on.

Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024