bulldoze

verb

ˈbu̇l-ˌdōz How to pronounce bulldoze (audio)
Definition of bulldozenext
1
as in to push
to force one's way bulldozed through the crowd at the arena, urgently trying to find the bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to intimidate
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats one of those gatherings at which high-pressure sales reps try to bulldoze naive people into buying time-shares

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of bulldoze are browbeat, bully, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When can browbeat be used instead of bulldoze?

The words browbeat and bulldoze can be used in similar contexts, but browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

In what contexts can bully take the place of bulldoze?

While the synonyms bully and bulldoze are close in meaning, 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 bulldoze?

Although the words cow and bulldoze have much in common, 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 might intimidate be a better fit than bulldoze?

The words intimidate and bulldoze are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 bulldoze The ruling also could inflame residents living near the stadium even more, escalating feelings that Wu has bulldozed the community into accepting the stadium for a professional women’s soccer team. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025 The city plans to bulldoze the historic green space in Little Italy and replace the urban oasis with affordable housing. —Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025 Torretto was one of a half-dozen advocates who fought to keep the canyon from being bulldozed for residential development. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 If the existing building were bulldozed, Samsung could replace it with a modern and significantly larger structure. —George Avalos, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
  1. push
  2. intimidate
  3. squeeze
  4. bully
Verb
  • The upcoming show will explore the story of Black dandyism as a sartorial declaration and a tool for pushing (and examining) social and political change, both historically and in contemporary society.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The Justice Department is pushing for several changes, Dahlquist said on Monday during the trial.
    — Patrick Maguire, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of push
Verb
  • Separately, the judge said Aidan Kearney, a local blogger who has closely covered the case and is also facing pending charges for allegedly intimidating witnesses, will be exempt from a witness sequestration order.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • And since cleaning with bleach can be intimidating (ever have a load of laundryruined thanks to leftover bleach in the washing machine?), denture tablets can be a safer, easier alternative to getting your whites back to bright.
    — Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of intimidate
Verb
  • Mike Pavlik, whose family lived across the alley behind ours and who was the leadoff batter on our softball team, squeezed my arm.
    — David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Consumer confidence has taken a nosedive in 2025 as Americans grow more concerned that inflation could spike again, and tariffs will squeeze their wallets.
    — Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • There have been 604 bullying and harassment cases, an average of 55 a year.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
  • So, thank you for bullying me into getting surgical hair replacement.
    — Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of bully

Browse Nearby Words

bull's-eyes
bulldoze
bulldozed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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