kowtow

verb

ˈkau̇-ˌtau̇ How to pronounce kowtow (audio)
Definition of kowtownext
as in to fuss
to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior you can try kowtowing to the boss, but he'll see right through you

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 kowtow What distinguishes Camper, at least musically, is his deference to classic R&B signifiers without kowtowing to pastiche. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 Under such circumstances, Taiwan would sooner or later kowtow to Beijing. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 11 Mar. 2026 After all, the series largely avoids other topical issues of modern campus life, from freedom of speech restrictions to administrators kowtowing to autocracies. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026 The public demand was made based on a social media post from right-wing journalist Laura Loomer, who pointed to a video in which Rice vowed to hold companies accountable for kowtowing to Trump if Democrats regain power in the federal government. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kowtow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kowtow
  1. fuss
  2. toady
  3. drool
  4. truckle
  5. bootlick
  6. submit
  7. fawn
Verb
  • Yes, teaching by example is often a better way of handling a challenge than fussing about it.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • No need to fuss-up something that's just as delicious prepared simply.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Definition of fuss
Verb
  • The only other psychological need that rivals his thirst for toadying is the pursuit of .
    — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Hamlet’s toadying friends, the hangers-on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, are Izzard’s own talking hands, popping up to face her like a pair of Muppets.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2024
Definition of toady
Verb
  • Some of the signs of overheating include heavy panting or drooling, a rapid pulse, bright red gums or tongue, labored breathing, difficulty standing, vomiting or diarrhea and a fever.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Typically, the consequence of a sunny Open Championship is firm and fast playing conditions that make golf fans drool.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of drool
Verb
  • Garbarino enjoyed his time with the Southern river rats and mountain folk, and their refusal to truckle to authority delights him to this day.
    — David Samuels, Town & Country, 18 Oct. 2013
Definition of truckle
Verb
  • Its mission was to upset hierarchies, not reinforce them, and few things were more offensive to comedians than bootlicking.
    — Robert Lynch, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Call it the bootlicking trickle-down-effect.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of bootlick
Verb
  • The policy requires a supervisor to complete an investigation, as well as submit findings and an evaluation of the officer's performance up the chain of command for review.
    — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026
  • Founders can now submit entries for the new season through SonyLIV, with the network inviting applicants who can demonstrate real conviction and a clear understanding of their businesses.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 July 2026
Definition of submit
Verb
  • Fuentes enjoyed a brief flare of mainstream publicity last year, culminating in a fawning interview with former Republican kingmaker and broadcaster Tucker Carlson.
    — Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Evelyn then gets to meet Juliette, who is visibly uncomfortable with this fangirl fawning all over her.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of fawn

Browse Nearby Words

kosher
kowtow
kowtowed
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“Kowtow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kowtow. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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