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Craven and its synonyms dastardly and pusillanimous are all basically fancy words for "cowardly." Don't be afraid to use them—here's a little information to help you recognize the subtle distinctions in their connotations. Craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance. One might speak of "craven yes-men." Dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous, as in this example: "a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians." Pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage, as in "After the attack, one editorialist characterized the witnesses as 'the pusillanimous bystanders.'"
Synonyms
cowardly, pusillanimous, craven, dastardly mean having or showing a lack of courage.
cowardly implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage.
pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage.
craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance.
dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous.
Examples of craven in a Sentence
Word History
Middle English cravant
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
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Cite this Entry
“Craven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/craven. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
More from Merriam-Webster on craven
Nglish: Translation of craven for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of craven for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about craven
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