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 Let’s bulldoze the obstacle course the insurance companies constructed and create federal guardrails to protect patients over needless denials. Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Time, 25 Sep. 2025 Decatur regained the lead as Akilyz Rivera bulldozed in for a one-yard TD run on the first play of the final quarter. Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025 Many of us garden on the fill that was bulldozed around when our home was built. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025 On the next play, Zach Allen bulldozed through Tennessee’s offensive line to drop Ward 11 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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, 5 Oct. 2025
  • For Rick Neuheisel, the moment was enough to push him over the edge emotionally.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While the look of huitlacoche may be intimidating — even off-putting — to some, its distinctive flavor is relatively mild.
    Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
  • While exhibitions are the biggest draw, the site has also welcomed more than 5,000 people to its open days, including 1,600 students from nearby schools who might feel intimidated to step into Chanel’s offices in central Paris.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Reds squeezed into the third wild-card slot for their first playoff appearance in five years.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Some people who have bought homes in the last few years feel squeezed by monthly payments that leave little cash left over.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now he's accused the Indianapolis Democrat of bullying and threatening him.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
  • After getting bullied in elementary school, his mom, the comic book writer Elaine Lee, homeschooled him.
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bulldoze

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