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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cower In Europe, Germany’s DAX returned 1.7% and France’s CAC 40 rose 1.1% after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the world’s biggest trade bloc would not cower in the face of U.S. trade demands. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025 Babbitt and several other rioters sought to break through the barricaded House chamber where lawmakers from both parties cowered in fear for their lives when Byrd shot her. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025 The Hall might have had the independent spine to do this without MLB’s blessing, but cowered and did not. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025 Colin the Janitor crawling down a hallway with his black tongue wagging at a cowering woman, and the true image of hell incarnate, Pyramid Head, literally ripping the skin suit off of live bodies should shake you to your core. Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cower
Verb
  • The rest of the show is a little more hit-or-miss, ranging from genuinely funny to somewhat cringe.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • If the dad in your life cringes at the thought of wearing flip-flops during the summer months, these Dockers may make him into a sandals convert.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Given his winning streak, nobody would’ve flinched if Lamar framed his portion of the event as a celebration.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025
  • But, when Wayne and Bryant’s names were called, neither flinched under the bright lights.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cower. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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