TRUCKLE Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'truckle' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of truckle are cower , cringe , fawn , and toady . While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior. // truckling to a powerful lobbyist

Q: When would 'cower' be a good substitute for 'truckle'?

While in some cases nearly identical to truckle , cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people. // cowering before a bully

Q: When is 'cringe' a more appropriate choice than 'truckle'?

While the synonyms cringe and truckle are close in meaning, cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility. // a cringing sycophant

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fawn' instead of 'truckle'?

The words fawn and truckle can be used in similar contexts, but fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention. // waiters fawning over a celebrity

Q: When might 'toady' be a better fit than 'truckle'?

The words toady and truckle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude. // toadying to his boss

truckle

verb

ˈtrə-kəl

Definition of truckle next

as in to fuss

to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior the kind of guy who truckles to anyone who might present a lucrative opportunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word truckle distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of truckle are cower, cringe, fawn, and toady. While all these words mean "to behave abjectly before a superior," truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior.

truckling to a powerful lobbyist

When would cower be a good substitute for truckle?

While in some cases nearly identical to truckle, cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people.

cowering before a bully

When is cringe a more appropriate choice than truckle?

While the synonyms cringe and truckle are close in meaning, cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility.

a cringing sycophant

When is it sensible to use fawn instead of truckle?

The words fawn and truckle can be used in similar contexts, but fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention.

waiters fawning over a celebrity

When might toady be a better fit than truckle?

The words toady and truckle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude.

toadying to his boss

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 truckle Unless Trump’s art of the deal is all about truckling to Putin. —

Maureen Dowd, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 During the campaign, most of Trump’s fallen rivals blasted him in exceptional terms—before truckling to support him against Hillary Clinton. —

James Fallows, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2017 Garbarino enjoyed his time with the Southern river rats and mountain folk, and their refusal to truckle to authority delights him to this day. —

David Samuels, Town & Country, 18 Oct. 2013

Recent Examples of Synonyms for truckle

Verb

Emma looked around, confused at the adults fussing around him and too young, perhaps, to grasp the severity of the scene.

— Maeva Bambuck, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
Need to put a filling dinner on the table, but don't have a lot of time to fuss?

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025