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

Reid rewarded that display of cowardice by deploying the nuclear option a few months later. —Erick Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025

If McCain’s moment was about cementing legacy, Murkowski’s was about cowardice. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025

It’s been quite stunning and disappointing to see the cowardice among major businesses that in recent months have turned their back on diversity, equity and inclusion. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 June 2025

For me, perfectionism is a burden, a mask of cowardice. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 11 July 2025