DASTARDLY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'dastardly' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dastardly are cowardly , craven , and pusillanimous . While all these words mean "having or showing a lack of courage," dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous. // a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cowardly' instead of 'dastardly'?

The synonyms cowardly and dastardly are sometimes interchangeable, but cowardly implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage. // a cowardly failure to stand up for principle

Q: Where would 'craven' be a reasonable alternative to 'dastardly'?

The words craven and dastardly can be used in similar contexts, but craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance. // secretly despised her own craven yes-men

Q: When would 'pusillanimous' be a good substitute for 'dastardly'?

While the synonyms pusillanimous and dastardly are close in meaning, pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage. // the pusillanimous fear of a future full of possibility

dastardly

adjective

ˈda-stərd-lē

Definition of dastardly next

as in cowardly

having or showing a shameful lack of courage his dastardly conduct in a critical moment haunted him for the rest of his life

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How does the adjective dastardly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dastardly are cowardly, craven, and pusillanimous. While all these words mean "having or showing a lack of courage," dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous.

a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians

When is it sensible to use cowardly instead of dastardly?

The synonyms cowardly and dastardly are sometimes interchangeable, but cowardly implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage.

a cowardly failure to stand up for principle

Where would craven be a reasonable alternative to dastardly?

The words craven and dastardly can be used in similar contexts, but craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance.

secretly despised her own craven yes-men

When would pusillanimous be a good substitute for dastardly?

While the synonyms pusillanimous and dastardly are close in meaning, pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage.

the pusillanimous fear of a future full of possibility

Examples 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 dastardly As their parents unite to battle the dastardly scam which has brought their town to financial ruin, the team is embroiled in a mysterious bank robbery. —

John Hopewell, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024 Its climax pits gentleman thief Arsène Lupin III against the dastardly Count Lazare de Cagliostro, with their rivalry culminating in a sweeping duel — the Count with a rapier, Lupin with a giant wrench — inside of the titular castle’s clock tower. —

Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 All that remains from this dastardly deed are the Gates to Hell, which welcome thrill-seekers ready to embrace their deepest, darkest fears. —

Sarah Kuta, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024 Far from being some dastardly act of espionage and double-dealing, Cartwright made his fateful choice out of love. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dastardly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dastardly

Adjective

During an interview on the debut episode of Sean with Sean Hannity on Tuesday, December 3, the actor admitted that sending a breakup letter to now-wife Jennifer Flavin via FedEx in 1994 was a cowardly move.

Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Build Hagrid’s hut, play as the cowardly dog Fang, and help the famous trio find out what Draco Malfoy is up to.

Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024