cowers

present tense third-person singular of cower
as in cringes
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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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 cowers The Guthrie family cowers in obedient fear of its brooding patriarch (Peter Mullan). Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cowers
Verb
  • Payton cringes at the mention of a sophomore slump, that defenses will figure out Nix.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sheinbaum quickly moves away and visibly flinches as the man attempts to put his arm around her.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Snakes must move incredibly quickly to sink their fangs into prey before the victim flinches.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cowers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cowers. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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