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

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

This is the toughest-yet Midyear Reckoning of movies because of the undeniable fact that film culture, by and large, has succumbed to the entertainment industry’s artistic cowardice. —Armond White, National Review, 9 July 2025

The attacks on law firms and lawyers, even as Chicago’s own Jenner & Block bravely resists, has nonetheless led to other firms with major offices in our city simply capitulating out of avarice or cowardice. —Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

There can be no forgiveness for this collective cowardice, for the individual cowardice of each one of us. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 May 2025