COW Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of cow are browbeat , bulldoze , bully , and intimidate . While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," 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 it sensible to use 'browbeat' instead of 'cow'?

The words browbeat and cow 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 'bulldoze' take the place of 'cow'?

While in some cases nearly identical to cow , bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats. // bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

Q: Where would 'bully' be a reasonable alternative to 'cow'?

Although the words bully and cow have much in common, bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior. // bullied into giving up their lunch money

Q: When can 'intimidate' be used instead of 'cow'?

While the synonyms intimidate and cow are close in meaning, intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. // intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

cow

verb

Definition of cow next

as in to intimidate

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats a sharp glare cowed the child into being quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of cow are browbeat, bulldoze, bully, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," 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 it sensible to use browbeat instead of cow?

The words browbeat and cow 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 bulldoze take the place of cow?

While in some cases nearly identical to cow, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

Where would bully be a reasonable alternative to cow?

Although the words bully and cow have much in common, bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When can intimidate be used instead of cow?

While the synonyms intimidate and cow are close in meaning, 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 cow Because this was Arsenal turning the page and refusing to be cowed. —

Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 But the accomplished director is hardly one to be cowed by industry consensus, as many of his risky, outlandish, and mind-bogglingly expensive film projects have proven. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2024 Putting down a lover, while cowing before the judgment of others, revealed a weakness that sometimes pertains to taking sides politically — possibly resulting in their most irresponsible song ever. —

Armond White, National Review, 18 Sep. 2024 Related: Could cow vaccines help halt the spread of bird flu in U.S. herds? —

Helen Branswell, STAT, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for cow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cow

Verb

Take risks and try new things, even if the risks are intimidating.

Brian Slipka, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
At the Los Feliz branch of Los Angeles Public Library, children’s librarian Diane Garcia said she has been intimidated several times by a patron who was furious about the LGBTQ+ picture books on display.

Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024