BROWBEAT Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of browbeat are bulldoze , bully , cow , and intimidate . While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment. // browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Q: In what contexts can 'bulldoze' take the place of 'browbeat'?

In some situations, the words bulldoze and browbeat are roughly equivalent. However, 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 might 'bully' be a better fit than 'browbeat'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cow' instead of 'browbeat'?

The words cow and browbeat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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

While in some cases nearly identical to browbeat , intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another. // intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

browbeat

verb

ˈbrau̇-ˌbēt

Definition of browbeat next

as in to intimidate

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats they would often browbeat the younger child until he cried

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

Some common synonyms of browbeat are bulldoze, bully, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

In what contexts can bulldoze take the place of browbeat?

In some situations, the words bulldoze and browbeat are roughly equivalent. However, bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When might bully be a better fit than browbeat?

The synonyms bully and browbeat are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 browbeat?

The words cow and browbeat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is intimidate a more appropriate choice than browbeat?

While in some cases nearly identical to browbeat, 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 browbeat During his first term, Trump often used threats such as high tariffs to browbeat America’s allies into concessions. —

Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 While events such as these are the consequence of manmade activity and are not ideal, the narration doesn’t browbeat the audience but instead focuses on the potential positive outcomes – a new species emerging. —

Benny Har-Even, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Note that generative AI did not try to browbeat me or otherwise attempt to crush my soul. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 Margaret thinks of her Filipina nanny Essie (Ruby Ruiz) as family while Hilary, bereft over fertility issues and browbeaten by her mother, comes to see housekeeper Puri (Amelyn Pardenilla) as her only friend. —

Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for browbeat