Synonyms of cow

cow

verb

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

• intimidate
• bully
• frighten
• scare
• badger
• startle
• coerce
• pick on
• strong-arm
• bullyrag
• browbeat
• hector
• bulldoze
• shock
• blackjack
• bogart
• harass
• spook
• threaten
• pressure
• hound
• menace
• force
• alarm
• bluster
• terrify
• terrorize
• dragoon
• distress
• horrify
• affright
• unman
• bludgeon
• disturb
• compel
• push around
• psych (out)
• upset
• trash-talk
• oblige
• press
• perturb
• constrain
• discompose
• disquiet
• make
• disconcert
• unnerve
• demoralize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• steel
• comfort
• cheer
• console
• reassure
• soothe
• encourage
• solace
• convince
• persuade
• hearten
• embolden

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of cow

The Kid Line of Marat Khusnutdinov, Fraser Minten and James Hagens drew raves from Sturm in the first two games up in Buffalo for its details and refusal to be cowed by the hostile environment in Buffalo. — Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026

Not everyone who does not cow to him has a low IQ. — Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

Bruce Springsteen was standing up to the president, while universities and law firms were being cudgeled and cowed. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026

The notion of cow tipping is based on the idea that cows sleep standing up. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026