Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of bulldoze are browbeat, bully, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When can browbeat be used instead of bulldoze?

The words browbeat and bulldoze 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 bully take the place of bulldoze?

While the synonyms bully and bulldoze are close in meaning, bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When is it sensible to use cow instead of bulldoze?

Although the words cow and bulldoze have much in common, 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 might intimidate be a better fit than bulldoze?

The words intimidate and bulldoze are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

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 bulldoze The Court ruled five-to-four in favor of letting the city bulldoze the neighborhood. John Stossel, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 Like many American cities facing this challenge in the ’60s, St. Paul tried to bulldoze its way back to the top. Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025 Trump has unleashed a flurry of executive actions that has bulldozed Musk’s loud opposition to the bill onto other matters, such as the travel ban. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 6 June 2025 Forced to retreat back deeper in the field thanks to the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, Bellingham has been nowhere near as effective this term as Madrid was bulldozed by FC Barcelona in four Clasicos and lost the Copa del Rey and Super Cup finals to it while also ceding La Liga to the Catalans. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
Verb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • The president has moved aggressively by pushing legal boundaries and testing the limits of executive power.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • But moving from being a casual fan into understanding the intricacies of tennis can be intimidating.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Alfredo Romero-Cortez, 48, was arrested and charged with aggravated rape, assault and battery on a household member, assault with a dangerous weapon, and intimidating a witness.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Kalvin Phillips squeezes a pass through the gap and into Omari Hutchinson, taking three Forest players out of the game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Marlene alleged her son grabbed and started to squeeze her throat.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Well, in Alva’s case, in the months after her very public divorce, the New York Times society column straight up bullied her by writing stories about all the super fun parties and balls her sister-in-law Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt threw while Alva was in exile.
    Alexis Nedd, IndieWire, 2 July 2025
  • For years, Griffin never talked about being bullied as a child.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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