Synonym Chooser

How is the word intimidate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intimidate are browbeat, bulldoze, bully, and cow. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

When is browbeat a more appropriate choice than intimidate?

The meanings of browbeat and intimidate largely overlap; however, browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

When would bulldoze be a good substitute for intimidate?

The words bulldoze and intimidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When is it sensible to use bully instead of intimidate?

The synonyms bully and intimidate are sometimes interchangeable, but bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

Where would cow be a reasonable alternative to intimidate?

While in some cases nearly identical to intimidate, cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost.

not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business

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 intimidate Giant skeletons, scarecrows and spooky décor in intimidating sizes are a growing trend. Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 Advertisement In a press conference on Thursday, organizers accused Republicans of attempting to intimidate people from attending. Richard Hall, Time, 18 Oct. 2025 But Lorch wasn’t just intimidating to coaches and scouts on the travel-team circuit. Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025 The two men embarked on a long journey from concept to product to create a wine that speaks to the preferences of today’s consumers, who want quality and style without the intimidating jargon of traditional wine culture. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intimidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidate
Verb
  • Wembanyama added weight and has been bullying defenders in the paint during the preseason while shooting fewer treys.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Papa Snoop collaborated with GLAAD for the song in honor of Spirit Day, an annual holiday that encourages people to stand against bullying LGBTQ+ youth.
    James Factora, Them., 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There are no effective repellents or devices that frighten away raccoons.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • One, frightened, pressed her belly into the pavement.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Carter Taylor of Kansas City, an elementary school educator and legislative chair for the Kansas City Federation of Teachers, said efforts to privatize education should scare parents.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Playing on parental fears, The Babadook has been scaring the daylights out of us for a solid decade now.
    Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a free society, the government provides broad media access and doesn’t try to coerce reporters into providing only favorable coverage.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Our federal government is coercing institutions to follow its dictates on student admissions, curriculum and programs.
    George R. Boggs, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s designed for convenience and quiet operation, featuring a sleep mode that won't startle anyone.
    Christine Persaud, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Who jumped, startled, when Rey laughed nervously.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This might take a series of browbeating prompts, but that’s not a big deal.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Not to mention the relentless White House campaign to browbeat Fed Chair Jerome Powell to lower rates while auditioning dovish successors.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intimidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidate. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intimidate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!