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

Examples of bulldoze in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Brennan and co-moderator Norah O'Donnell held firm as Vance aimed to bulldoze them, reminding that there were many other conversations to get to beyond unpacking the nitty-gritty of the legal immigration process. Kyler Alvord, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024 The distinctive building, with its red-tiled roof topped by the signature blazing neon sign, will be bulldozed, along with a Staples, to make way for one of three apartment buildings. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 July 2024 Whatever chance there is for growth and learning from mistakes is bulldozed by the speed of our collective thirst for superficial justice. Gayle Forman, Peoplemag, 18 July 2024 The Sun bullied them inside, bulldozing their way to 48 points in the paint. Andrés Soto, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bulldoze 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bulldoze.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near bulldoze

Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on bulldoze

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