Synonyms for

Cowards

Verb / ˈkaʊɜ:dz / Another word for cowards — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Someone who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things

Synonyms & similar words

sirnoelpiercecoward coward noelcoward chicken wimp yellow-belly sissy pussyfoot fraidy-cat scaredy-cat milksop poltroon craven timid nervous fearful spineless gutless lily-livered yellow weakling chicken-hearted faint-hearted

Synonyms by register

Formal

pusillanimous craven timorous

Informal

scaredy-cat chicken yellow-belly wimp

Literary

lily-livered faint-hearted

Antonyms

brave courageous valiant heroic bold fearless intrepid

Common collocations

  • brave cowards
  • cowards die many times
  • cowards flee
  • cowards tremble
  • cowards hide
  • cowards run away
  • cowards are not heroes

Word family

noun cowardice
adjective cowardly

Usage note

The word 'coward' is a strong pejorative term. It is often used to describe someone who lacks courage in the face of danger or pain.

Example sentences

  1. The cowards left their friends behind when they saw the danger.
  2. The bully was really just a coward.
  3. I wish I had the courage to do what he did, but I'm just a coward.
  4. The coward didn't even try to stand up for himself.
  5. Don't be a coward, stand up for what you believe in.

Quotes

  • I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life as a coward.
  • Courage isn't the absence of fear, it's doing what's right in spite of it.
  • The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

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