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 arches and keys were gone, bulldozed by Israeli soldiers the previous fall. Ben Ehrenreich, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 Though his back and hands ache, Mr. Ramos, who has continued to offer his services free, is racing to remove tiles from as many fireplaces as possible before cleanup crews bulldoze them. Livia Albeck-Ripka, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025 The behemoth abode sits on the infamous site of the gruesome 1969 Manson murders, though the original home was bulldozed in the ’90s. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 Israel destroyed its radar and control tower and bulldozed its runway in 2001, in reaction to the Second Intifada. Elliott Abrams, National Review, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
Verb
  • That is a false narrative that Republicans have been pushing for years now.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • King was posted up on a family deer drive when the massive buck was pushed his way.
    Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • That means people who are counting votes or knocking on doors can’t be intimidated, threatened or coerced.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 May 2025
  • If mixing up cocktails at home seems intimidating, don't fear—the secret to your new favorite drink might already be in the back of your fridge.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Custom Container Living View 8 Images Custom Container Living has transformed a shipping container into an ultra-compact tiny house that squeezes a home for two into just 160 sq ft (14.8 sq m).
    Adam Williams May 08, New Atlas, 8 May 2025
  • Officials hope that increased lending and spending will help ease deflationary pressures that have dragged down prices, squeezed company profits, and weakened consumer confidence.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • His rustiness was evident, as he was bullied off the ball often and punished for an uncharacteristically poor first touch at the Emirates Stadium.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • But he’s bullied at that school, and even at home, things rarely go his way.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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