Definition of bulldozenext

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 But although the edifice built at great expense—by Fannie Lou Hamer, by John Lewis, by the bloodied limbs of Mississippi sharecroppers and Alabama marchers—has not been entirely bulldozed, only the facade remains. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 The nonprofit group is arguing that the president should have sought authorization from Congress before bulldozing the East Wing. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 School bulldozed In a separate incident, activists say settlers bulldozed a school in Hammamat al-Maleh in the northern Jordan Valley Monday evening, near the village of Tayasir, where a CNN team was detained and assaulted by soldiers last month. Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 The external expectations have not been this high since 2022, in part because of how the Avs bulldozed through the first half of the schedule. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
Verb
  • As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Williams happened to be passing by as the young dancer was pushing her car down the highway with a friend, and Williams along with his manager stopped to help and was quickly charmed.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Noblet admitted she was intimidated directing Clooney for the first time.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2026
  • In my opinion, his words were aimed at intimidating female athletes into compliance.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • On the Right, Israel is being squeezed by a smaller faction of the Make America Great Again movement that wants to pare back all American foreign aid.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026
  • Gas prices are continuing to squeeze drivers at the pump.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • New York bullied Philadelphia in the second round with a combination of elite shot-making and pressure defense.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Police say another mother, identified in the affidavit as Jada Hayes, remained in the parking lot after the meeting to speak with Dunmars about allegations that Dunmars’ child was bullying her own child.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bulldoze

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster