cower
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for cower, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To crouch down or shrink back in fear.
Synonyms
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 cower
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cower in fear
cower in the corner
cower before someone
Etymology
From Middle English couren, related to Germanic words meaning "to lie in wait" or "to squat" — unrelated to "coward," despite the similar look.
Full origin of cower →Frequently asked questions
What does “cower” mean?
The word “cower” means to crouch down or shrink back in fear. In plain terms, to physically shrink back or crouch out of fear.
How do you pronounce “cower”?
“Cower” is pronounced KOW-uh (/ˈkaʊɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cower” in a sentence?
Here is “cower” used in a sentence: “The puppy cowered in the corner during the thunderstorm.”
What part of speech is “cower”?
“Cower” is a verb.
Where does the word “cower” come from?
The word “cower” comes from Middle English. From Middle English couren, related to Germanic words meaning "to lie in wait" or "to squat" — unrelated to "coward," despite the similar look.
