How is the word cower distinct from other similar verbs?
Some common synonyms of cower are cringe, fawn, toady, and truckle. While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people.
cowering before a bully
When might cringe be a better fit than cower?
The synonyms cringe and cower are sometimes interchangeable, but cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility.
a cringing sycophant
When could fawn be used to replace cower?
While in some cases nearly identical to cower, fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention.
waiters fawning over a celebrity
In what contexts can toady take the place of cower?
In some situations, the words toady and cower are roughly equivalent. However, toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude.
toadying to his boss
When is truckle a more appropriate choice than cower?
Although the words truckle and cower have much in common, truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior.
truckling to a powerful lobbyist
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cowerThe national leaders cowered and even lied to the people by telling them the President was perfectly fine.—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 In just a few minutes’ time, the men go from snickering and demeaning to cowering and surrendering.—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 1 Dec. 2024 Boards and management teams generally cower at the thought of an activist.—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024 Fearing that the gunman was on the train, commuters were told to cower onto the floor as police searched each subway car.—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cower
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