cow

verb

Definition of cownext
as in to intimidate
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

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cow are browbeat, bulldoze, bully, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," 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

When is it sensible to use browbeat instead of cow?

The words browbeat and cow can be used in similar contexts, but browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

In what contexts can bulldoze take the place of cow?

While in some cases nearly identical to cow, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

Where would bully be a reasonable alternative to cow?

Although the words bully and cow have much in common, bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When can intimidate be used instead of cow?

While the synonyms intimidate and cow are close in meaning, intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

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 cow When Trump has needed to, the threat of primaries has cowed the skeptics back into line. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 Far-right extremist groups have been cowed in the last four years by the fallout and prosecutions from the Jan. 6 insurrection, said Katherine Keneally, head of threat analysis and prevention at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025 Rather than be cowed by pressure, Newcastle overwhelmed an admittedly-pathetic Manchester United. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 The temptation to dig the hole deeper is even stronger just now, with Gaza a smoldering ruin and all potential regional challengers cowed. —Max Rodenbeck, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cow
  1. intimidate
  2. bully
  3. frighten
  4. scare
  5. badger
  6. startle
Verb
  • And since cleaning with bleach can be intimidating (ever have a load of laundryruined thanks to leftover bleach in the washing machine?), denture tablets can be a safer, easier alternative to getting your whites back to bright.
    — Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
  • James, through a spokesperson, said she will not be intimidated.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of intimidate
Verb
  • With his carry-on bag, his ID and medication inside, now with the DEA, David had no choice but to step off the plane and was eventually bullied into permitting a search of his bag.
    — Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In the novel and subsequent film adaptation, Sue initially joins in bullying Carrie but later decides to try to befriend her.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of bully
Verb
  • Two years ago, several small-business owners testified to a legislative committee that Americans with Disabilities Act plaintiffs’ lawyers filed spurious complaints, alleging what appeared to be a random list of violations in an attempt to frighten and intimidate the business owner.
    — Mark Hillman, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This has hallmarks of emotional abuse – non-physical behaviors meant to isolate, control and frighten.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of frighten
Verb
  • The Missouri product is a solid route-runner with sure hands, but there are some off-field concerns that could scare teams away.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • As the Trump administration arbitrarily revokes and denies student visas, and xenophobic rhetoric scares away potential foreigners, agencies specializing in recruiting students from abroad are facing a sharp downturn.
    — Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of scare
Verb
  • For every Tommy John that welcomed her, there was a Reggie Jackson that badgered her.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Then, a year later, after months of badgering authorities, Evangelina finally got the funds to open her dream maternity clinic.
    — Laura Gómez, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of badger
Verb
  • In a now-viral video from Stacy Goss, the family was startled by the sight of a huge bald eagle gawking at them, but more concerningly, at their dog Gnocchi.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Area residents might remember similar sights of helicopters in 2023, when the sounds of gunfire and explosions from military training startled some in the Kansas City metro.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of startle

Browse Nearby Words

coveys
cow
coward
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cow. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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