Synonyms of pusillanimity

pusillanimity

noun

ˌpyü-sə-lə-ˈni-mə-tē 

as in fearfulness

a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger

the pusillanimity shown by the press on this issue after the administration began applying pressure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fearfulness
• cowardice
• cowardliness
• gutlessness
• spinelessness
• cravenness
• timidity
• weakness
• dastardliness
• diffidence
• timorousness
• cautiousness
• poltroonery
• faintheartedness
• wariness
• carefulness
• bashfulness
• feebleness
• softness
• shyness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• courage
• heroism
• gallantry
• bravery
• nerve
• valor
• fearlessness
• heart
• daring
• intrepidity
• hardihood
• boldness
• stoutness
• guts
• audacity
• fortitude
• dauntlessness
• intrepidness
• valiance
• courageousness
• resolution
• determination
• backbone
• grit
• brazenness
• fiber
• gumption
• mettle
• perseverance
• spunk
• pluck
• doughtiness
• greatheartedness
• tenacity
• endurance
• stamina

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pusillanimity

If such pusillanimity continues, Democrats risk losing their party to a band of true believers no less destructive than the furthest extremes of the MAGA movement. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

Given the President’s long-standing support for corporate tax cuts and deregulation of industry, this pusillanimity is perhaps not so surprising. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

Even the turbulent Vietnam era didn’t inspire such pusillanimity. — Matthew Hennessey, WSJ, 10 Mar. 2022

The pusillanimity of American corporations on this subject continues to astound. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2021

It is often said that, given the rank pusillanimity of most politicians, such backsliding is inevitable. — Rich Lowry, National Review, 26 Mar. 2021