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

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 intimidate Arbitration usually takes place in an office or conference room and not the more intense, even intimidating, courtroom venue. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024 According to additional police records, gang members in some instances intimidated and attacked residents at all three of CBZ’s Aurora properties. —

Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024 Perhaps an intimidating footwear style to sport, this chestnut brown choice, below, is not only seriously chic, but comfortable, too. —

Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 Last month, Israel accused Iran and Hezbollah of hacking into a commercial messaging service to send 5 million intimidating text messages to Israeli citizens. —

Kevin Collier, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intimidate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidate

Verb

There is a fine line between bullying and encouraging others to do what’s right.

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
In an application for a restraining order, which was granted by a judge, a woman alleged that Ali harassed, bullied and threatened her.

Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024