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 But in building the infrastructure required for nuclear testing, and in the subsequent clean-up efforts, the US bulldozed vegetation, changing local ecosystems. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025 Overnight crews worked to establish primary control lines, as well as bulldoze contingency lines along Rattlesnake Ridge into Pope Valley. The Press Democrat, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025 The forest giants went down before the saw and ax, and anything left was bulldozed to the ground so that pine trees might be planted for pulpwood. Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025 The pandemic left the YMCA cash-strapped and the prospect of a developer bulldozing the camp energized generations of residents and Wewa alumni seeking to save it. Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Ascent fought back against the defending league champion Tampa Bay Sun in a prime-time Gainbridge Super League matchup, thrilling an energetic Charlotte crowd on a night when kickoff was pushed back roughly 30 minutes due to thunderstorms.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Assaults by the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club are often committed in order to protect and expand territory, intimidate rivals, conceal members from law enforcement and advance extracurricular criminal projects, according to the 2024 indictment.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the President can use the National Guard to intimidate blue-state citizens, and no one can stop him; a mogul can shield billions in income from tax; and voters can find their districts redrawn overnight.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The shakeups are the latest at a time when restaurants are squeezed between a labor shortage, rising food prices and a loss of customers as diners cut back on spending.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
  • For now, the three youngest each sleep in their own pack-and-plays squeezed into their parents’ bedroom.
    Jeff Truesdell, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The first touchdown of the year was bullied into the end zone by Williams, who wouldn’t be done in this game.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Owen's best friend, Khloe Wilson, was suspected of sending the messages early in the investigation due to past tensions with Lauryn and bullying accusations.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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