bulldoze

verb

ˈbu̇l-ˌdōz How to pronounce bulldoze (audio)
Definition of bulldozenext
1
as in to push
to force one's way bulldozed through the crowd at the arena, urgently trying to find the bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to intimidate
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats one of those gatherings at which high-pressure sales reps try to bulldoze naive people into buying time-shares

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word bulldoze different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of bulldoze are browbeat, bully, cow, and intimidate. While all these words mean "to frighten into submission," bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

When can browbeat be used instead of bulldoze?

The words browbeat and bulldoze can be used in similar contexts, but browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

In what contexts can bully take the place of bulldoze?

While the synonyms bully and bulldoze are close in meaning, bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

When is it sensible to use cow instead of bulldoze?

Although the words cow and bulldoze have much in common, cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost.

not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business

When might intimidate be a better fit than bulldoze?

The words intimidate and bulldoze are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bulldoze It was bulldozed in the 1970s, but locals keep it alive sharing memories on the public Crockett-history Facebook page. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 20 June 2025 Construction has commenced on projects at the White House ordered by President Donald Trump, with the Rose Garden having been bulldozed as work begins to pave it over. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 The Court ruled five-to-four in favor of letting the city bulldoze the neighborhood. —John Stossel, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 Like many American cities facing this challenge in the ’60s, St. Paul tried to bulldoze its way back to the top. —Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulldoze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulldoze
  1. push
  2. intimidate
  3. squeeze
  4. bully
Verb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • The president has moved aggressively by pushing legal boundaries and testing the limits of executive power.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Definition of push
Verb
  • But moving from being a casual fan into understanding the intricacies of tennis can be intimidating.
    — Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Alfredo Romero-Cortez, 48, was arrested and charged with aggravated rape, assault and battery on a household member, assault with a dangerous weapon, and intimidating a witness.
    — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 8 July 2025
Definition of intimidate
Verb
  • Kalvin Phillips squeezes a pass through the gap and into Omari Hutchinson, taking three Forest players out of the game.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Marlene alleged her son grabbed and started to squeeze her throat.
    — Christine Pelisek, People.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • Well, in Alva’s case, in the months after her very public divorce, the New York Times society column straight up bullied her by writing stories about all the super fun parties and balls her sister-in-law Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt threw while Alva was in exile.
    — Alexis Nedd, IndieWire, 2 July 2025
  • For years, Griffin never talked about being bullied as a child.
    — Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of bully

Browse Nearby Words

bull's-eyes
bulldoze
bulldozed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulldoze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulldoze. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of bulldoze for Spanish Speakers

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