as in fearfulness
a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger
the cowardice shown by political leaders who were willing to give the Nazis whatever they wanted
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Recent Examples of cowardice
The variety of wounds, which were mainly found in the skull, pelvis and torso, and made by weapons including spears, daggers, swords and iron bolts, suggests they were sustained during battle rather than the result of execution – the punishment for military cowardice, the museum said.
—
Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
Pike publicly criticized the commanders of the regiment for the lack of discipline and cowardice displayed in battle, which eventually led to an inconclusive court of inquiry.
—Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
Their children and grandchildren will read about their silence, acquiescence, and cowardice.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
Complacency, cowardice and meek self-preservation won’t do here and now.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cowardice
Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
Pike publicly criticized the commanders of the regiment for the lack of discipline and cowardice displayed in battle, which eventually led to an inconclusive court of inquiry.
—Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
Their children and grandchildren will read about their silence, acquiescence, and cowardice.
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
Complacency, cowardice and meek self-preservation won’t do here and now.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cowardice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cowardice
pusillanimity
Noun
-
Reid’s statement was striking for its sheer pusillanimity.—
Adam S. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Dec. 2015
-
What a profile in pusillanimity.—
The Editorial Board,
WSJ,
23 May 2022
Cite this Entry
“Cowardice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cowardice. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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