cowering 1 of 2

present participle of cower
as in cringing
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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cowering

2 of 2

adjective

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 cowering
Adjective
The staff member can be seen cowering down to fend off the attack and then turns and squares up to the irate passenger, who’s wearing a green colored top and army green pants. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024 The trauma of war is ever-present in Honda's vision, which sees citizens fleeing for their lives and cowering in the rubble of their homes. Katie Rife, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Neither do the cowering members of Slough House. Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Hence the obtuse rabbis, the cowering Uncle Yasha, and, in Aliyah of the 1990s, the naked Russian woman, presumably a prostitute, presenting herself doggy-style. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cowering
Verb
  • Pub purists, meanwhile, are cringing.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • On the other side are GOP lawmakers cringing at the departure of so many CDC officials.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your stronger body will give you the confidence that comes from moving without flinching.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Share relevant proof that mirrors their situation, name your price without flinching, and close with one clear question.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Managers are no longer as cautious, players are no longer as submissive, supporters are no longer as in awe.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Wilson also gets called a ‘simp,’ which is slang for a man who is viewed as foolish for being submissive or overly catering to his woman.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Where Chelsea’s domestic overseers have been largely acquiescent to their accounting ingenuity, the same can’t be said abroad.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Netanyahu appears convinced that his country’s security, along with his own political survival, depends on prolonging the military offensives and keeping both Gaza and Lebanon ungovernable, and therefore acquiescent.
    Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Accommodating, which is unassertive and cooperative, prioritizes the needs and preferences of others over one’s own in order to maintain harmony.
    Ellen Choi, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Shy and unassertive, she’s often been overlooked by others and kept to herself.
    Yasmine AlSayyad, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • Organizations need cross-functional governance that ensures decisions aren’t just compliant but human-centered.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Pixel 10 packs a 4,980mAh battery capable of charging at up to 30W via wire and at 15W wirelessly via Qi2-compliant chargers.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Just 14 yards on resigned run plays were, however, according to Pro Football Focus.
    Oliver Thomas, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • As new members have replaced the resigned ones, the board has ramped up focus on policies around LGBTQ+ students, dress codes and health curriculum.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Republican senators have largely been deferential to Kennedy.
    Elvia Limon - 09, The Hill, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The surroundings are deferential, completed by a group of friends enjoying conversation encouraged by physical comfort and a visual calm.
    Joseph Giovannini, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cowering. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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