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

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