coward
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for coward, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who lacks courage, especially someone who avoids danger or difficulty out of fear.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use coward
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
act like a coward
call someone a coward
moral coward
Etymology
From Old French coart, built from coue ("tail"), likely picturing an animal fleeing with its tail between its legs — unrelated to "cower," despite the similar spelling.
Full origin of coward →Frequently asked questions
What does “coward” mean?
The word “coward” means a person who lacks courage, especially someone who avoids danger or difficulty out of fear. In plain terms, someone who is afraid to face danger, pain, or difficulty.
How do you pronounce “coward”?
“Coward” is pronounced KOW-uhd (/ˈkaʊɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “coward” in a sentence?
Here is “coward” used in a sentence: “Only a coward would abandon his friends in a crisis.”
What is the opposite of “coward”?
The opposite of “coward” — its antonyms — is hero.
What part of speech is “coward”?
“Coward” is a noun.
Where does the word “coward” come from?
The word “coward” comes from Old French. From Old French coart, built from coue ("tail"), likely picturing an animal fleeing with its tail between its legs — unrelated to "cower," despite the similar spelling.
Is “coward” a common word?
“Coward” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "coward" and someone who is simply "cautious"?
A coward specifically lacks courage and avoids danger or difficulty out of fear, often carrying a negative judgment about their character. Being cautious, by contrast, means acting carefully to avoid unnecessary risk, which does not necessarily imply a lack of courage.
Is calling someone a "coward" always an insult?
Yes, "coward" is generally used as a negative or critical term, describing someone who lacks courage and avoids danger or difficulty out of fear, so it typically carries a disapproving tone rather than a neutral one.
What is the adjective form related to "coward"?
The related adjective is "cowardly," used to describe behavior or actions that show a lack of courage, such as a "cowardly retreat," while "coward" itself is used as a noun to describe the person.
