Synonyms of cower

cower

verb

ˈkau̇(-ə)r 

as in to cringe

to draw back or crouch down in fearful submission

the abused dog always cowered in the presence of its master

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cringe
• flinch
• grovel
• recoil
• quail
• shrink
• blanch
• kowtow
• whiten
• blench
• fawn
• toady
• squinch

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cower distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of cower are cringe, fawn, toady, and truckle. While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people.

cowering before a bully

When might cringe be a better fit than cower?

The synonyms cringe and cower are sometimes interchangeable, but cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility.

a cringing sycophant

When could fawn be used to replace cower?

While in some cases nearly identical to cower, fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention.

waiters fawning over a celebrity

In what contexts can toady take the place of cower?

In some situations, the words toady and cower are roughly equivalent. However, toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude.

toadying to his boss

When is truckle a more appropriate choice than cower?

Although the words truckle and cower have much in common, truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior.

truckling to a powerful lobbyist

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cower

For its makers, that’s where the magic is April 15, 2025 Later, checking the bear traps, however, Yuri encounters a big-eared baby ochi cowering in a hole, its hind leg bloodied. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025

The man finds you out back, cowering behind the dumpsters. —Laura Steinel, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2025

Fear is a powerful motivator and the threat of having the full force of the American legal system against you is enough to make anyone cower. —Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 3 Feb. 2025

The first season emphasized urban hellscapes — lots of cowering and running in the ruins of Boston, Kansas City and Salt Lake City — while moving toward the open spaces of Wyoming. —Mike Hale, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025