browbeating 1 of 3

adjective

as in bullying

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browbeating

2 of 3

noun

as in coercion

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browbeating

3 of 3

verb

present participle of browbeat
as in intimidating
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats they would often browbeat the younger child until he cried

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 browbeating
Verb
His process of doing so involved disparaging his accusers, browbeating people and institutions that no longer wanted to be associated with him, and refusing to accept a path that precluded a return to being a public figure. — Elizabeth Spiers, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026 Analysts have suggested a vote from Waller in favor of interest rate cuts, aligning with the president’s browbeating demands for lower borrowing costs—could be seen as a bellwether for his candidacy. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026 This might take a series of browbeating prompts, but that’s not a big deal. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for browbeating
  1. bullying
  2. coercion
  3. intimidating
  4. ascetic
  5. pressure
  6. unflinching
  7. intimidation
  8. resolved
Adjective
  • Investigators are still verifying the suspect’s claim, but regional education officials immediately ordered schools to step up anti-bullying campaigns.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 23 June 2026
  • Readers are encouraged to think about themes of anti-bullying and unity through the story.
    — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Definition of bullying
Noun
  • Thus, Oreshnik functions more as an instrument of strategic coercion, creating uncertainty in Western capitals, rather than achieving decisive battlefield gains.
    — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The key risk lies not in policy convergence but in setting precedents that blur the boundaries between law enforcement, coercion and commerce.
    — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Definition of coercion
Verb
  • The young boy’s biggest concern is staying out of the crosshairs of Calavera (Mauro Guzmán), the neighborhood bully who seems destined to follow the same path as his intimidating older brother, Felix (Cosmo Gonzalez).
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 July 2026
  • Sangha said that gangsters intimidating immigrants in the Central Valley is far more prevalent than reported.
    — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • Once inside, warm, tropical breezes flow into the hotel’s ascetic, nevertheless grand lobby, wafting you towards a magical cloister filled with plants and robust Botero sculptures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
  • Grothendieck was intense and ascetic from his early days.
    — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026
Definition of ascetic
Noun
  • Instead of relying solely on conventional reactor vessels and containment structures, the design uses the pressure generated by a mile-long water column surrounding the reactor to support reactor operating pressure while also providing cooling.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
  • Serve up the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie with less pressure by simply tossing all of the ingredients into your Dutch oven.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Definition of pressure
Adjective
  • Like many great works of American literature, the book is an unflinching portrait of a seemingly happy family held together by hubris and fear of change.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026
  • Nolan Hurd, 26, sat silent and unflinching while being handed the sentence by Superior Court Judge Jennifer Madden Ragland, who openly questioned the man’s remorse in the January 2022 death of his girlfriend, Nikha Marcella DeGuzman.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Definition of unflinching
Noun
  • The most detailed allegations came from a woman named Lyndsey Fifield, who reported controlling behaviors, frequent displays of rage, threats of violence and self-harm, emotional intimidation and physical abuse.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026
  • In recent months, police have banned public meetings, arrested and detained some critics of the reforms, while others have alleged harassment and intimidation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of intimidation
Adjective
  • Lebanon’s fragile sovereignty The lack of resolved borders and Israel’s periodic incursions into southern Lebanon have predictably meant that Lebanon has struggled to assert sovereignty over its own territory.
    — Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
  • What frustrated her most was that the issue refused to stay resolved.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Definition of resolved

Browse Nearby Words

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browbeating
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Cite this Entry

“Browbeating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/browbeating. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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