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

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 cow If that concern can be reframed as melodramatic or dangerous — or if Trump supporters can cow Democrats into not elevating the issue — the impulse to vote against Trump might be muted. —

Philip Bump, Washington Post, 15 July 2024 The press and watchdog agencies not cowed by the president must maintain constant vigilance. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024 Gingrich praised Johnson for not being cowed by the hard-right Republicans seeking to remove him from office, and instead reaching into his own deep well of beliefs as a Ronald Reagan-era Republican with an expansive view of the role of U.S., its allies and his own speakership to make a decision. —

Lisa Mascaro, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024 The decisions by the Times and the Post have raised fears that media publishers, preparing for the possibility of a second Trump Administration, are being cowed by him. —

Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cow

Verb

He's not intimidated by operating in the shadow of such giants.

— Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 18 Feb. 2025
Yeah, Larkin, 10 years older, sure wasn’t intimidated Saturday night.

— Michael Russo, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025