bully 1 of 3

Definition of bullynext

bully

2 of 3

noun

bully

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of bully are browbeat, bulldoze, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When could browbeat be used to replace bully?

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

In some situations, the words bulldoze and bully 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 cow be a better fit than bully?

The synonyms cow and bully are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 it sensible to use intimidate instead of bully?

The words intimidate and bully can be used in similar contexts, but 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 bully
Noun
Big Red might be a braggart, a bully and rotten to the core, but Lasdun invokes Thomas De Quincey’s neat point about how a man’s capacity to rob says nothing about his propensity to murder. Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 This need not be a burly bully who sizes up wardrobes and coiffures to decide who would best decorate your party. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Verb
Because he was being completely bullied and demeaned and excused. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026 The Daily Mail reported in November that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against Harbour before filming on the final season began. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bully
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bully
Adjective
  • Beat a prime Holloway at 170, though, and the door swings back open to the paydays he's chased since the rematch became official.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • For homeowners near host stadiums, the tournament has turned spare bedrooms and second homes into prime real estate.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • His death in an enemy attack plays into a powerful Shi'ite tradition of martyrdom and mourning, in which processions of flagellants beat their chests or backs.
    Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The day for battle is near, many of our enemies are arming themselves.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Alyssa Thomas' thug-like play, punching Caitlin Clark in the throat and kneeing her in the groin, is indefensible.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • Ditto Hugh Jackman’s unerring performance — perhaps his finest dramatic work yet — as a savage, unfeeling thug and unrepentant murderer and thief.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • For more on how attackers can abuse connected devices, see our report on how the FBI warned that more than 1 million Android devices were hijacked by malware.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Some dogs fear brooms, vacuum cleaners or other household products, particularly if they’ve been hurt or abused in the past.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The parking at Krog Street Market can be intimidating, but there’s no need to try to navigate the valet or the small lot in the front of the market.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The Oura Ring 4 has dropped to $399, cutting a cool $100 off the intimidating $499 list price.
    Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • William's sixth-great-grandfather was born in Coventry in 1740 and enlisted as a private in the Connecticut militia.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Leave some messiness in your garden and leave the leaves, as decaying leaves are great habitat for fireflies.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • All the while, Sarah is being hunted by corporate intimidators Dawson (Sam Worthington) and Rosetti (Willa Fitzgerald), who want to ensure her silence.
    EW.com, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Together, the band brings to life a mythic world of ancient heroes and villains, attracting an excited audience of headbangers and fantasy fanatics, many of whom show up in costume.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
  • The performance earned her the award for best villain at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bully. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bully

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