bulldoze

verb

ˈbu̇l-ˌdōz How to pronounce bulldoze (audio)
Definition of bulldozenext
1
as in to push
to force one's way bulldozed through the crowd at the arena, urgently trying to find the bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to intimidate
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats one of those gatherings at which high-pressure sales reps try to bulldoze naive people into buying time-shares

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of bulldoze are browbeat, bully, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When can browbeat be used instead of bulldoze?

The words browbeat and bulldoze 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 bully take the place of bulldoze?

While the synonyms bully and bulldoze are close in meaning, bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When is it sensible to use cow instead of bulldoze?

Although the words cow and bulldoze have much in common, 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 might intimidate be a better fit than bulldoze?

The words intimidate and bulldoze are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 bulldoze While Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu was in the sin-bin for head contact that forced off Marlie Packer, England bulldozed New Zealand's seven-women scrum for Breach to score her 58th try. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Craft bounced off — and simply bulldozed — tacklers throughout the game, finishing with 68 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 26 Sep. 2026 Determined, Teagan bulldozes her way through the boathouse, eventually becoming the team’s coxswain, the only non-rowing member who is tasked with steering, managing the race plan and motivating the rest of the team. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026 That move was largely popular, resonating with fans who did not want to see the club’s home of 133 years bulldozed, but Goodison could do with more investment. — Matt Slater, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
  1. push
  2. intimidate
  3. squeeze
  4. bully
Verb
  • Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Meta Platforms, which is pushing its Muse AI agent, lost 7% after reporting stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, though its profit fell short.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of push
Verb
  • Politicians could no longer rely on local patrons to intimidate people into voting for them and had to compete on representing their interests.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Drivers who intimidate on purpose are surprisingly plentiful.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimidate
Verb
  • For hungry Southerners trying to squeeze a meal into their lunch breaks, that’s a major blunder.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Push through the soles of your feet and squeeze your glutes to drive your hips upward.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • Wilson said students often played games during school, and in some cases, shared secret Google Docs that resulted in bullying.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Tailor’s Wife/bullying local queen bee (Elizabeth Debicki) sets out to sabotage the romance.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bully

Browse Nearby Words

bull's-eyes
bulldoze
bulldozed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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