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 In 2024, North Attleboro (11-2) bulldozed its way to a championship, only to see juggernauts like King Philip and Marshfield join them among its Div. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 On the island, buildings are practically invisible, built around existing trees instead of bulldozing the landscape. Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Someone had to have dug the pit, stacked the corpses, bulldozed over the mass graves. Seema Jilani august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025 One wants to bulldoze it to build luxury flats (played by a wonderfully obnoxious David Tennant). Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
Verb
  • On Wednesday, New York mayoral favorite Zohran Mamdani launched a public petition, calling on FIFA to make tickets to 2026 World Cup games—including the final in New Jersey—affordable, pushing the international soccer organization to set aside 15% of seats for locals in particular.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Trump administration members are going in a different direction, pressing for investigations of left-leaning groups that appear designed to intimidate, if not prosecute.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Dealing with debt collectors is a high-stress and intimidating experience.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • My sister looked up at me and ever so gently, with barely perceptible pressure, squeezed my hand.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • If real estate values turn soft in a region, the decline could squeeze a crucial revenue stream for cities, counties, regional agencies and school districts.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Friends of mine received unwanted explicit snaps from male peers, some were contacted by complete strangers, and many were bullied on the platform.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
  • His twin sister, Danielle, who is also autistic, was bullied by classmates and became suicidal.
    Fred Clasen-Kelly, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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