coward

noun

cow·ard | \ ˈkau̇(-ə)rd

Definition of coward

(Entry 1 of 2)

: one who shows disgraceful fear or timidity a coward who deserted his troops

Coward

biographical name

Cow·ard | \ ˈkau̇(-ə)rd

Definition of Coward (Entry 2 of 2)

Sir Noël Peirce 1899–1973 English actor and dramatist

Other Words from coward Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about coward

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Synonyms & Antonyms for coward

Synonyms: Noun

chicken, craven, cur, dastard, funk, poltroon, recreant, sissy

Antonyms: Noun

hero, stalwart, valiant

Examples of coward in a Sentence

Noun

a proven coward who had deserted his troops the soldiers who ran as soon as the first shots were fired were branded as cowards

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

No man is a coward in the presence of a young woman. — Garrison Keillor, Harper's magazine, "Hurrah for the Plaza," 22 July 2019 That makes him a coward, snorts one of his internal opponents. — The Economist, "Germany’s far right: strong in the east, weak in the west," 18 July 2019 Reserved for cowards, mutineers, and the like, decimation in Antony’s world meant removal of a tenth. — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "Why 'Moon Shot' Has No Place in the 21st Century," 16 July 2019 You fantasy football cowards: Hold your playoffs during the real playoffs … Rookies who could take over your fantasy season ... and more. 1. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "The NFL’s Five Most Combustible Teams," 9 July 2019 But here's the thing: Most of you mayonnaise haters out there are hypocrites and cowards. — Emily Dreyfuss, WIRED, "In Defense of Mayonnaise," 4 July 2019 After the game, Hope Solo labelled the Swedes a 'bunch of cowards' over their defensive tactics, directly contributing to the end of her career after she was fired by U.S. Soccer. — SI.com, "United States vs Sweden: A Storied Rivalry Revisited Ahead of 2019 Women's World Cup Clash," 20 June 2019 Then-goalkeeper Hope Solo controversially called the Swedish players cowards after the match. — Alicia Delgallo, Pro Soccer USA, "USWNT, Sweden showdown closes World Cup group stage," 20 June 2019 When the big showdown did finally arrive, Cersei then tried to sneak away from the action like a coward, only to be crushed by her castle’s falling rubble. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Why the Women of Game of Thrones Deserved Better," 20 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coward.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.