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 Other Republicans promised to bulldoze the Department of Education, to end affirmative action, and to get rid of rules limiting church involvement in elections. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 July 2025 Meanwhile, less qualified colleagues bulldoze ahead with unwavering certainty. —Peter Accettura, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 But that came to an end in January of 1976, when Gandhi’s son, Sanjay, had the coffee house bulldozed. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 27 June 2025 McDavid will not be bulldozed into signing a contract extension early. —Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
  1. push
  2. intimidate
  3. squeeze
  4. bully
Verb
  • Folklore Reaches Half a Decade on the Billboard 200 Folklore advances on the Billboard 200, pushing from No. 77 to No. 68 at the moment.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Advertisement While New York City has remained the country’s largest sanctuary city, its status as such and Mayor Eric Adams’ desire to push back against the federal government has come into question.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 July 2025
Definition of push
Verb
  • Goalkeepers can intimidate strikers into poor shooting decisions with a good stare-down.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Cycling shoes can be intimidating—particularly the idea of wearing something that locks your feet right to your bike’s pedals.
    — Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 23 July 2025
Definition of intimidate
Verb
  • Then, squeeze your Magic Eraser a few times to activate the foaming bubbles.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
  • When cold fronts and other weather systems come along, that moisture can get wrung out, like squeezing a water-laden sponge, yielding heavy and often highly localized downpours.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • Researchers have seen that wild horses and burros will hog water tanks, streams, and other water sources — often to the detriment of native critters like deer and antelope, which are easily bullied by a big stallion.
    — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 31 July 2025
  • After all, living with a drunk step-mom, being bullied at school, and failing all her classes isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of bulldoze for Spanish Speakers

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