CRAVEN Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'craven' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of craven are cowardly , dastardly , and pusillanimous . While all these words mean "having or showing a lack of courage," craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance. // secretly despised her own craven yes-men

Q: When can 'cowardly' be used instead of 'craven'?

The words cowardly and craven can be used in similar contexts, but cowardly implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage. // a cowardly failure to stand up for principle

Q: When could 'dastardly' be used to replace 'craven'?

Although the words dastardly and craven have much in common, dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous. // a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians

Q: In what contexts can 'pusillanimous' take the place of 'craven'?

While in some cases nearly identical to craven , pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage. // the pusillanimous fear of a future full of possibility

craven 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkrā-vən

Definition of craven next

as in afraid

having or showing a shameful lack of courage a craven refusal to deliver the unwelcome news personally

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

craven

2 of 2

noun

as in coward

a person who shows a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger a craven who ran away and left everyone else behind to deal with the crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective craven differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of craven are cowardly, dastardly, and pusillanimous. While all these words mean "having or showing a lack of courage," craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance.

secretly despised her own craven yes-men

When can cowardly be used instead of craven?

The words cowardly and craven can be used in similar contexts, but cowardly implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage.

a cowardly failure to stand up for principle

When could dastardly be used to replace craven?

Although the words dastardly and craven have much in common, dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous.

a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians

In what contexts can pusillanimous take the place of craven?

While in some cases nearly identical to craven, pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage.

the pusillanimous fear of a future full of possibility

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 craven

Adjective

Kyle Beach’s courage and humanity is in sharp contrast with the craven men who failed him (Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images) Get all-access to exclusive stories. —

Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 24 July 2024 Since then, Trump has regularly lobbed attacks at the military and its top leaders, accusing them of being politically craven and operationally incompetent. —

Ronald R. Krebs, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2021 The callousness of investigators, the craven police interrogation methods that seek to discount the memory of survivors by insisting the truth hinges on minute details and the vitriol of a misogynistic public are all on display in Black Box Diaries. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024 Or, for that matter, the jealous, craven Guy rising to the surface, whom Stan nails hilariously with each stewing grimace. —

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for craven

Recent Examples of Synonyms for craven

Adjective

Just look at the Salem Witch Trials, which targeted people who weren’t afraid to live somewhat unconventional lives, like women who were financially-independent or unmarried.

— Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 24 Jan. 2025
Democrats and Republicans are afraid that their civil rights and their civil liberties are in jeopardy and look to the courts to protect their 14th and 15th Amendment rights.

— John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025