Synonyms of cowardice

cowardice

noun

ˈkau̇(-ə)r-dəs 

as in fearfulness

a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger

the cowardice shown by political leaders who were willing to give the Nazis whatever they wanted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fearfulness
• cowardliness
• pusillanimity
• spinelessness
• gutlessness
• cravenness
• timidity
• weakness
• dastardliness
• diffidence
• cautiousness
• faintheartedness
• timorousness
• poltroonery
• wariness
• carefulness
• bashfulness
• feebleness
• shyness
• softness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• courage
• bravery
• virtue
• heroism
• valor
• fearlessness
• gallantry
• daring
• nerve
• heart
• intrepidity
• boldness
• hardihood
• guts
• stoutness
• audacity
• fortitude
• courageousness
• valiance
• intrepidness
• dauntlessness
• determination
• grit
• backbone
• brazenness
• resolution
• fiber
• gumption
• mettle
• perseverance
• spunk
• greatheartedness
• pluck
• doughtiness
• tenacity
• endurance
• stamina

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cowardice

From its beginnings as a form, the novel has dealt with love and hate, war and peace, courage and cowardice, boredom and catastrophe. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

When someone has lower income, more demands on that income, and less room for error, taking less financial risk is not cowardice. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

Victor Marx won’t debate the two other Republicans on the primary ballot for Colorado governor Tuesday night, with the nonprofit leader claiming bias — and his opponents claiming cowardice. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 May 2026

Tilting Iron), but also acts of cowardice, or worse, by those who supported the Vichy regime. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026