cowing

verb

present participle of cow
as in intimidating
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats a sharp glare cowed the child into being quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cowing What’s more, the blast would perhaps be visible on Earth, boosting morale at home and cowing our enemies abroad. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026 Instead of cowing Iran, the Israeli strike escalated the war. — Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cowing
  1. intimidating
  2. bullying
  3. scaring
Verb
  • The North Port is a major hub for container and cruise traffic, possibly producing an intimidating environment for the shark.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • He was accused of harassing, threatening, and intimidating the women in person, through social media, and on his podcast.
    — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimidating
Verb
  • As recess is one of the most active places for bullying to take place, Rhea wanted to counteract that trend.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Washington should project vision and leadership to its friends, not jarring uncertainty and bullying transactionalism.
    — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of bullying
Verb
  • Together the duo enjoy scaring themselves into a teeth-chattering but delightful evening.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Universal announced that Nikki, the character Navarrette plays in Obsession was going to roam all of Horror Nights, scaring people and taking photos like Art the Clown, Dracula, and the Weeknd in years past.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of scaring

Browse Nearby Words

cowhiding
cowing
cowinner
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cowing. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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