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

Complacency, cowardice and meek self-preservation won’t do here and now. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025

The actions of Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and the rest of the tech bros in the wake of Trump’s election have been profiles in cowardice. —Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

The cynicism derives from at least two interrelated forms of corporate cowardice. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025

That's what people are upset about. SHAKIR: There's a cowardice of a Republican Party and a political establishment, no one wants to stand up to him. —ABC News, 9 Mar. 2025