INTIMIDATE Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'intimidate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intimidate are browbeat , bulldoze , bully , and cow . While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. // intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

Q: When is 'browbeat' a more appropriate choice than 'intimidate'?

The meanings of browbeat and intimidate largely overlap; however, browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment. // browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Q: When would 'bulldoze' be a good substitute for 'intimidate'?

The words bulldoze and intimidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats. // bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

Q: When is it sensible to use 'bully' instead of 'intimidate'?

The synonyms bully and intimidate are sometimes interchangeable, but bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior. // bullied into giving up their lunch money

Q: Where would 'cow' be a reasonable alternative to 'intimidate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to intimidate , 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

intimidate

verb

in-ˈti-mə-ˌdāt

Definition of intimidate

as in to bully

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats refusing to be intimidated by the manager's harsh stare, I demanded my money back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of intimidate are browbeat, bulldoze, bully, and cow. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

When is browbeat a more appropriate choice than intimidate?

The meanings of browbeat and intimidate largely overlap; however, browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

When would bulldoze be a good substitute for intimidate?

The words bulldoze and intimidate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When is it sensible to use bully instead of intimidate?

The synonyms bully and intimidate are sometimes interchangeable, but bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

Where would cow be a reasonable alternative to intimidate?

While in some cases nearly identical to intimidate, 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

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 intimidate Where the first look is sleek and almost intimidating, this one feels more bombshell—proof that changing the silhouette can make essentially the same hair color read like an entirely different character. — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026 Glass admitted that as a young producer, he was intimidated by Adams and his quiet confidence. — Scott Detrow, NPR, 18 Oct. 2026 The terrain of the ancient archeological site of Delphi, where the oracle and temple of Apollo are located, can be intimidating and scary for older travelers. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Attempts to intimidate your political opponents have no place in our country. — Ashley Soebroto, Houston Chronicle, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimidate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidate

Verb

As recess is one of the most active places for bullying to take place, Rhea wanted to counteract that trend.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Washington should project vision and leadership to its friends, not jarring uncertainty and bullying transactionalism.

— Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bully

Verb

For Cox and Walker, the challenge was to introduce horror-film conventions without frightening the franchise’s youngest viewers.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Guitarricadelafuente said he was initially frightened by the prospect of acting in La Bola Negra.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

The initiative specifically targets performers who coerce visitors for cash or falsely imply that tipping is mandatory, FOX5 said.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
According to Moscow’s defense intellectuals, Russia may need to change its posture to contain this trend, including by seeking new tools to keep Europe at bay and to coerce it below the nuclear threshold.

— Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of coerce

Verb

Surveillance footage & evidence Police reviewed surveillance footage in the area, which showed the two gunshot victims walking, then appear startled, according to court records.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
The parents admit to some corporal punishment, but of a mild sort—the kind that might startle a child but which wouldn’t do bodily harm.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of startle

Verb

The son and a guardian claims that Mary Max had depleted his finances and browbeat him.

— BETH J. HARPAZ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Repent and repair Rather than browbeating people into repentance, the Ne’ilah service’s strategy is to boost them up into it, playing upon the biblical idea of the grandeur of humanity.

— Reuven Kimelman, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of browbeat

Browse Nearby Words

in time

intimidate

intimidated

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“Intimidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of intimidate

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