Definitions

cowed

[koud] / kaʊd /

ADJECTIVE

afraid

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anxious apprehensive frightened nervous scared shocked suspicious timid

WEAK

abashed aghast alarmed aroused blanched cowardly daunted discouraged disheartened dismayed distressed disturbed faint-hearted frozen have cold feet horrified in awe intimidated panic-stricken perplexed perturbed petrified rattled run scared scared stiff scared to death spooked startled stunned terrified terror-stricken timorous trembling upset worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

brave calm happy unafraid unworried

WEAK

bold composed cool courageous eager fearless heroic intrepid undaunted undismayed valiant venturesome

ADJECTIVE

beaten

Synonyms

STRONGEST

humbled overpowered overwhelmed routed

STRONG

baffled bested circumvented conquered crushed disappointed discomfited disheartened frustrated licked mastered overcome overthrown ruined subjugated surmounted thwarted trounced undone vanquished worsted

ADJECTIVE

fainthearted

Synonyms

WEAK

afraid cowardly cowering fearful frightened gutless having cold feet intimidated lily-livered meek mousy spineless unassertive weak wimpy yellow

ADJECTIVE

frightened

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid anxious fearful panicky spooked startled unnerved

STRONG

abashed affrighted alarmed butterflies dismayed frozen numb petrified terrified terrorized yellow

WEAK

aghast chicken chicken-hearted have cold feet having kittens hung up in a cold sweat in a panic in a sweat jittery jumpy lily-livered mousy pushing the panic button rabbity running scared scared stiff shaky shivery sissy terror-stricken uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold brave cool courageous happy unafraid

WEAK

calm comforted

ADJECTIVE

intimidated

Synonyms

STRONG

browbeaten bullied daunted terrified

WEAK

afraid

ADJECTIVE

panicky

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anxious apprehensive discouraged distressed fearful frightened horrified intimidated nervous perplexed perturbed scared shocked spooked startled timid

WEAK

abashed aghast alarmed aroused blanched cowardly daunted disheartened dismayed disturbed faint-hearted fearsome frozen funky have cold feet in awe panic-stricken petrified rattled run scared scared stiff scared to death stunned suspicious terrified terror-stricken timorous trembling upset worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold brave calm comforted encouraged happy unafraid unfearful unworried

ADJECTIVE

timid

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambivalent bashful demure diffident fearful feeble frightened gentle humble modest nervous weak

STRONG

Milquetoast shrinking trembling wavering yellow

WEAK

afraid apprehensive badgered browbeaten bullied capricious cowardly cowering coy daunted fainthearted having cold feet intimidated irresolute mousy pusillanimous retiring shaky soft spineless spiritless submissive timorous unassertive unassured unnerved vacillating

Antonyms

STRONGEST

able bold brave calm conceited courageous egotistical extroverted loud proud strong unabashed unafraid

WEAK

daring fearless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In seeking the injunction, Bonta’s office argues that Amazon threatens “dire consequences if vendors do not comply. Vendors, cowed by Amazon’s overwhelming bargaining leverage and fearing punishment, comply,” according to the filing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

But he insisted that he would not be cowed by antisemitism.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Meanwhile ordinary people, lacking the specialized knowledge to draw their own conclusions, feel cowed into going along with it all.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Apparently cowed by the regime's display of raw, indiscriminate power, such a bold move by the opposition seems, for now at least, highly unlikely.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

She sensed his unspoken displeasure and fell back into her place, cowed, her hands limp at her sides, her mouth open.

From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks

cowed

Example Sentences

Related Words