cowardly
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for cowardly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Lacking courage; showing fear when bravery is called for.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use cowardly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cowardly act
cowardly attack
cowardly behavior
Etymology
From Middle English *cowardly (adjective) and cowardly (adverb), equivalent to coward + -ly. Displaced native Old English earg.
Full origin of cowardly →Frequently asked questions
What does “cowardly” mean?
The word “cowardly” means lacking courage; showing fear when bravery is called for. In plain terms, behaving in a fearful, gutless way.
How do you pronounce “cowardly”?
“Cowardly” is pronounced KOW-uhd-lee (/ˈkaʊədli/ in IPA).
How do you use “cowardly” in a sentence?
Here is “cowardly” used in a sentence: “It was a cowardly attack on an unarmed man.”
What is the opposite of “cowardly”?
The opposite of “cowardly” — its antonyms — is brave.
What part of speech is “cowardly”?
“Cowardly” is an adjective.
Is “cowardly” a common word?
“Cowardly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
