INTIMIDATE Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of intimidate are browbeat , bulldoze , bully , and cow . While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. // intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

Q: When is 'browbeat' a more appropriate choice than 'intimidate'?

The meanings of browbeat and intimidate largely overlap; however, browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment. // browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Q: When would 'bulldoze' be a good substitute for 'intimidate'?

The words bulldoze and intimidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use 'bully' instead of 'intimidate'?

The synonyms bully and intimidate are sometimes interchangeable, but bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior. // bullied into giving up their lunch money

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

While in some cases nearly identical to intimidate , 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

intimidate

verb

in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt

Definition of intimidate next

as in to bully

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats refusing to be intimidated by the manager's harsh stare, I demanded my money back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of intimidate are browbeat, bulldoze, bully, and cow. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

When is browbeat a more appropriate choice than intimidate?

The meanings of browbeat and intimidate largely overlap; however, browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

When would bulldoze be a good substitute for intimidate?

The words bulldoze and intimidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When is it sensible to use bully instead of intimidate?

The synonyms bully and intimidate are sometimes interchangeable, but bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

Where would cow be a reasonable alternative to intimidate?

While in some cases nearly identical to intimidate, 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

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 intimidate Still, Casserly, who's also a member of the American Federation of Government Employees, one of the unions suing the administration, said people are not intimidated. —

Andrea Hsu, NPR, 6 Feb. 2025 Before the start of the match, however, the odds were stacked against Johnny as Wolf physically intimidated him in the locker room to shake his confidence. —

Skyler Trepel, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Among the many allegations in his filing, Baldoni claims Lively leveraged Swift’s celebrity status in an effort to intimidate him into letting her steamroll production. —

Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025 Financial advisors typically recommend having 3-6 months of expenses saved up, but don’t let that number intimidate you. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intimidate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidate

Verb

Just like the previous derby at Goodison, a 2-0 defeat last April, they got bullied at times and were knocked out of their stride.

— James Pearce, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
This past Sunday’s Super Bowl blowout — the Philadelphia Eagles bullied the two-time reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 – represents a blueprint for the 49ers’ future success.

— Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025