Synonyms of cow

cow

verb

as in to intimidate

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats

a sharp glare cowed the child into being quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intimidate
• bully
• frighten
• scare
• badger
• startle
• coerce
• pick on
• strong-arm
• bullyrag
• browbeat
• bulldoze
• shock
• hector
• bogart
• blackjack
• harass
• spook
• threaten
• pressure
• hound
• menace
• force
• alarm
• bluster
• terrify
• terrorize
• dragoon
• distress
• horrify
• affright
• disturb
• bludgeon
• compel
• push around
• psych (out)
• alarum
• upset
• unman
• trash-talk
• oblige
• press
• perturb
• constrain
• discompose
• disquiet
• make
• disconcert
• unnerve
• demoralize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• steel
• comfort
• cheer
• console
• reassure
• soothe
• encourage
• solace
• convince
• persuade
• hearten
• embolden

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

Recent Examples of cow

Trump has elevated media outlets that openly support him and cowed others with lawsuits, threats and obstruction of access. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025

Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party have cowed their liberal opponents, co-opted most of the Turkish press, purged and restaffed the Turkish military—with special zeal after crushing a 2016 coup attempt—and revamped Turkey’s intelligence service. —Reuel Marc Gerecht, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2025

Kick-off was at 7.45pm and, before both teams walked onto the field, Millwall players tried to show they would not be easily cowed. —Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Depressed and cowed by his wife, Michael comes across as naïve to the point of foolishness, and there are moments when his haplessness is played for laughs. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025