Synonyms for
Bully
Definition
A bully is someone who hurts or frightens other people, often repeatedly and intentionally.
Synonyms & similar words
ballyrag
keen
browbeat
bossaround
strongarm
groovy
ruffian
hector
rowdy
swell
peachy
smashing
hooligan
great
slapup
roughneck
swagger
nifty
pusharound
yob
dandy
tough
corking
bangup
cracking
intimidator
tormentor
oppressor
tyrant
persecutor
thug
ruffian
brute
hooligan
bulldozer
gangster
rowdy
aggressor
harasser
strong-arm
terrorizer
scourge
menace
domineer
overbear
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- bully someone
- bully tactics
- school bully
- workplace bully
- cyberbully
- bully pulpit
- bully boy
Word family
Usage note
The word 'bully' can refer to a person who habitually intimidates or oppresses others, or to the act of doing so. It carries a strong negative connotation.
Compare "bully" with another word →
Example sentences
- The bully stole his lunch money every day.
- She stood up to the bully and told him to stop.
- The principal punished the bully for picking on other students.
- He felt ashamed for being a bully and apologized to his classmates.
- The bully made fun of her clothes and called her names.
Quotes
Bullying builds character like nuclear waste creates superheroes. It's a rare occurrence and often does much more damage than endowment. - Zack W. Van
I realized that bullying never has to do with you. It's the bully who's insecure. - Shay Mitchell
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke, often quoted in the context of bullying