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 CEOs are cowed by the list, the FT’s Gillian Tett says. Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 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 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
  • Alarr’s unwelcome physical touching made Plaintiff feel offended, uncomfortable, humiliated and intimidated.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t let the size of this plant intimidate you.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • How will Fangio rejuvenate a defense that got bullied by a 1-4 Giants team?
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Tallulah Willis celebrated her resemblance to her famous dad Bruce Willis while calling out adults who bullied her looks as a teenager.
    Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Like the Earth sign, the righteous dog detective Scooby doesn't appreciate confrontation and gets frightened in scary situations.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Lina sniffs, stamps her feet in the snow to make her own set of giant prints to frighten this creature.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Although Fish Hut Grill typically has a line out its door, don't let that scare you away.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
  • One great line to defend against and three others that won’t scare opposing head coaches.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 12 Oct. 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
  • It’s designed for convenience and quiet operation, featuring a sleep mode that won't startle anyone.
    Christine Persaud, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cow. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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