Synonym Chooser

How is the word truckle distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of truckle are cower, cringe, fawn, and toady. While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior.

truckling to a powerful lobbyist

When would cower be a good substitute for truckle?

While in some cases nearly identical to truckle, cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people.

cowering before a bully

When is cringe a more appropriate choice than truckle?

While the synonyms cringe and truckle are close in meaning, cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility.

a cringing sycophant

When is it sensible to use fawn instead of truckle?

The words fawn and truckle can be used in similar contexts, but fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention.

waiters fawning over a celebrity

When might toady be a better fit than truckle?

The words toady and truckle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude.

toadying to his boss

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 truckle Unless Trump’s art of the deal is all about truckling to Putin. Maureen Dowd, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 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 During the campaign, most of Trump’s fallen rivals blasted him in exceptional terms—before truckling to support him against Hillary Clinton. James Fallows, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for truckle
Verb
  • Williams never fussed about it, though and his relationships with many in the organization weren’t overly affected.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
  • No crying or fussing or squirming.
    Danielle Pergament, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many of the university’s new policies have been seen by some critics as kowtowing to the Trump Administration.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 8 May 2025
  • Zen and others view any warming of ties with Beijing as kowtowing to an officially atheist regime.
    Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But on forums like Reddit, resentment bubbles from those who have had their favorite television shows pre-empted, believe Ohtani may be tainted by a gambling scandal that landed his interpreter in jail, or just can’t bear the nonstop fawning.
    Ken Belson, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025
  • To add insult to injury, the Academy fawned and buzzed over Clint Eastwood (back row, center, left of statue)’s American Sniper, nominating it for six Academy Awards.
    Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Empire was a sinister, one-note shadow: faceless Storm Troopers, toadying fascistic generals, a cackling emperor, and of course Darth Vader, an enigmatic demon masked and cloaked in black.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The only other psychological need that rivals his thirst for toadying is the pursuit of .
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • My baby mutters and drool drips down his chin from his new molar.
    Jessica Slice, Time, 9 May 2025
  • Collectors drool over the wrist watch from the ‘60s.
    Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Truckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/truckle. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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