cow

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cow are browbeat, bulldoze, bully, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," 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 is it sensible to use browbeat instead of cow?

The words browbeat and cow 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 bulldoze take the place of cow?

While in some cases nearly identical to cow, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

Where would bully be a reasonable alternative to cow?

Although the words bully and cow have much in common, bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When can intimidate be used instead of cow?

While the synonyms intimidate and cow are close in meaning, 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 cow My hunch is that many who in private criticize Israel or America’s support for Israel never say a word in public, cowed into silence by the sword of Damocles hanging over them — the omnipresent threat of charges of antisemitism. Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025 In each of these instances, Trump wants power and the majority Republicans in Congress have been too cowed to resist him. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2025 The Celtics aren't the only team that has cowed in the face of the second apron, though. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 The set’s background changed to a gaudy gold, Stewart played the role of an obsequious and cowed host who is terrified of saying the wrong thing on air (not entirely unlike how his former TDS colleague Stephen Colbert would play a right-wing character on the show). James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for cow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cow
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
  • 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
Verb
  • If the intent was to frighten the population, the move succeeded.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Within my book, one of the things that frightens me most is the fact that with censorship, there’s often not a clear red line, right?
    Fiction Non Fiction October 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The modus operandi generally involved either scaring a convenience store owner and fleeing with thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes, like one such incident at a 7-Eleven in Walnut Creek where masked men stole $8,000 in tobacco products, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • If someone unexpectedly opens the door to enter the room, a harsh alarm will sound to scare off the intruder—adding an extra layer beyond the hotel’s typical locks.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Jason Bateman shines in the scene with the Diamond District connect, fast-talking and badgering this guy within an inch of his life until Mancuso and Babbitt show up to take him out.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Impatient investors have been badgering the company for several years to cash in some of its more valuable assets.
    Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sleep may be disturbed by a pet's movements, and dogs may bite if startled.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The record-scratch startle that jump-starts the dramatic arc occurs when Eleanor (Squibb) is trying to figure out what to do with herself at a Manhattan Jewish community center after recently relocating from Florida.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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