FAWN Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fawn' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fawn are cower , cringe , toady , and truckle . While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention. // waiters fawning over a celebrity

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cower' instead of 'fawn'?

The meanings of cower and fawn largely overlap; however, cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people. // cowering before a bully

Q: When might 'cringe' be a better fit than 'fawn'?

While the synonyms cringe and fawn are close in meaning, cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility. // a cringing sycophant

Q: When would 'toady' be a good substitute for 'fawn'?

The synonyms toady and fawn are sometimes interchangeable, but toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude. // toadying to his boss

Q: When is 'truckle' a more appropriate choice than 'fawn'?

Although the words truckle and fawn 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

fawn

verb

ˈfȯn

Definition of fawn next

as in to fuss

to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior a student who could not wait to fawn over the new teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fawn distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of fawn are cower, cringe, toady, and truckle. While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention.

waiters fawning over a celebrity

When is it sensible to use cower instead of fawn?

The meanings of cower and fawn largely overlap; however, 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 fawn?

While the synonyms cringe and fawn are close in meaning, cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility.

a cringing sycophant

When would toady be a good substitute for fawn?

The synonyms toady and fawn are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 fawn?

Although the words truckle and fawn 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

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 fawn This man’s cluelessness in the face of Amelia’s discomfort with this overly fawning gift is giggle-worthy. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 And this year's styles include cardigans, turtlenecks, and crewnecks that are easy to fawn over. —

Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Throughout his presidency, Trump fawned over such dictators. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 5 Nov. 2024 But at Lupi & Iris, helmed by James Beard Award-winner Adam Seigel, restraint is an art, and the food, inspired by the French and Italian Riviera, needn’t be flashy nor festooned to be fawned over. —

Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fawn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fawn

Verb

Not all Cybertruck owners will be too fussed about that, though.

Carlton Reid, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2024
The gizmo also includes haptic alerts that can wake you—but not your partner—if your child is fussing.

Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024