Thesaurus

bully

Q: How is the word 'bully' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of bully are browbeat , bulldoze , cow , and intimidate . While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior. // bullied into giving up their lunch money

Q: When could 'browbeat' be used to replace 'bully'?

While the synonyms browbeat and bully are close in meaning, browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment. // browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Q: In what contexts can 'bulldoze' take the place of 'bully'?

In some situations, the words bulldoze and bully are roughly equivalent. However, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats. // bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

Q: When might 'cow' be a better fit than 'bully'?

The synonyms cow and bully are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'intimidate' instead of 'bully'?

The words intimidate and bully can be used in similar contexts, but intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. // intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of bully

(Entry 1 of 3)

of the very best kind

that's a bully idea for reviving the town's retail center

Synonyms for bully

Words Related to bully

Phrases Synonymous with bully

Near Antonyms for bully

Antonyms for bully

bully

noun

Synonyms of bully (Entry 2 of 3)

1 a person who teases, threatens, or hurts smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable persons

the school has a procedure for students who want to report problems with bullies

Synonyms for bully

Words Related to bully

antagonist,
enemy

2 a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang

the local loan shark and his bullies have ways of making people pay up

Synonyms for bully

Words Related to bully

bully

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of bully (Entry 3 of 3)

1 to inflict physical or emotional harm upon

the kindergarten teacher explained why it was wrong to bully classmates

Synonyms for bully

Words Related to bully

Phrases Synonymous with bully

take apart

Near Antonyms for bully

2 to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats

the manager was fired for bullying employees

Synonyms for bully

Words Related to bully

bluster,
trash-talk

Phrases Synonymous with bully

pick on

Near Antonyms for bully

convince,
persuade

Frequently Asked Questions About bully

How is the word bully different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of bully are browbeat, bulldoze, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When could browbeat be used to replace bully?

While the synonyms browbeat and bully are close in meaning, browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

In what contexts can bulldoze take the place of bully?

In some situations, the words bulldoze and bully are roughly equivalent. However, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When might cow be a better fit than bully?

The synonyms cow and bully are sometimes interchangeable, but 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