PUSILLANIMOUS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'pusillanimous' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pusillanimous are cowardly , craven , and dastardly . While all these words mean "having or showing a lack of courage," pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage. // the pusillanimous fear of a future full of possibility

Q: Where would 'cowardly' be a reasonable alternative to 'pusillanimous'?

In some situations, the words cowardly and pusillanimous are roughly equivalent. However, cowardly implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage. // a cowardly failure to stand up for principle

Q: When might 'craven' be a better fit than 'pusillanimous'?

While the synonyms craven and pusillanimous are close in meaning, craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance. // secretly despised her own craven yes-men

Q: In what contexts can 'dastardly' take the place of 'pusillanimous'?

The words dastardly and pusillanimous can be used in similar contexts, but dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous. // a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians

pusillanimous

adjective

ˌpyü-sə-ˈla-nə-məs

Definition of pusillanimous next

as in afraid

having or showing a shameful lack of courage pusillanimous politicians who vote according to whichever way the political wind is blowing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective pusillanimous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pusillanimous are cowardly, craven, and dastardly. While all these words mean "having or showing a lack of courage," pusillanimous suggests a contemptible lack of courage.

the pusillanimous fear of a future full of possibility

Where would cowardly be a reasonable alternative to pusillanimous?

In some situations, the words cowardly and pusillanimous are roughly equivalent. However, cowardly implies a weak or ignoble lack of courage.

a cowardly failure to stand up for principle

When might craven be a better fit than pusillanimous?

While the synonyms craven and pusillanimous are close in meaning, craven suggests extreme defeatism and complete lack of resistance.

secretly despised her own craven yes-men

In what contexts can dastardly take the place of pusillanimous?

The words dastardly and pusillanimous can be used in similar contexts, but dastardly often implies behavior that is both cowardly and treacherous or skulking or outrageous.

a dastardly attack on unarmed civilians

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 pusillanimous Mark Kelly Americans who are rightfully appalled by the pusillanimous response to anti-Semitism on college campuses have been pulling their donations and calling for restrictions on anti-Israel student groups. —

Arthur Levitt, WSJ, 12 Nov. 2023 Those clumsy tales revealed Chazelle’s pusillanimous career ambitions. —

Armond White, National Review, 13 Jan. 2023 This is a remarkably pusillanimous way of framing the case. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2022 This book should—but won’t—be read by Joe Biden’s national security team, not to mention the pusillanimous leaders of Germany and France. —

Steve Forbes, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 His pusillanimous and fraudulent conduct must be stopped. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 8 July 2022 Where the president should be direct and full-throated, Biden has been, at best, indirect and pusillanimous. —

The Editors, National Review, 12 May 2022 Rifkin’s story should rage against the pusillanimous like Roth and the hero of Look Back in Anger. —

Armond White, National Review, 4 Feb. 2022 The English were led by the exemplary Admiral Edward Vernon — after whom the Washington family home, Mount Vernon, would be named — and the incompetent, pusillanimous General Thomas Wentworth. —

Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pusillanimous

Adjective

But Vance is also not afraid to exert public pressure, too.

— Olivia Rinaldi, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025
Don’t be afraid to shape and cut back aggressively after a heavy-fruiting cycle.

— Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2025