Coward

One lacking courage

A coward lacks courage to face danger, difficulty, or pain.

The word implies not just fear but yielding to it—running from confrontation, avoiding necessary risks, refusing to stand up for oneself or others: He was too much of a coward to admit his mistake.

Cowardly behavior suggests moral weakness rather than mere timidity.

To call someone a coward is a serious insult, questioning their character.

fear

timid

Lacking courage or confidence

fearfulFull of fright
afraidExperiencing dread or worry
cravenContemptibly lacking nerve

spineless · gutless · chicken · yellow · scared · faint-hearted · lily-livered · weak-kneed · trembling · shrinking

literary

poltroon

Abject coward

milksopFeeble, unassertive person
namby-pambyFeebly sentimental or weak-willed
scaredy-catOverly timid person

fraidy-cat · yellowbelly · jellyfish · wimp · sissy · pushover · doormat · weakling · mouse · invertebrate

moral

dishonorable

Lacking integrity or ethics

shamefulCausing or meriting disgrace
ignobleLacking moral character
baseSupporting bottom structure

contemptible · despicable · unworthy · betrayer · deserter · turncoat · backstabber · sneak · weasel · rat

confrontation

avoider

One who stays away

evaderOne who gets away
dodgerOne who avoids
shirkerOne who avoids duty

quitter · runner · escapist · non-confrontational · passive · submissive · yielding · capitulating · surrendering · caving

bully

intimidator

One who threatens others

abuserOne who mistreats others
oppressorOne who dominates cruelly
tormentorOne who causes anguish

aggressor · persecutor · tyrant · cruel · domineering · threatening · menacing · harassing · targeting · victimizing

Coward

timid

poltroon

dishonorable

avoider

intimidator

Coward

Opposites

Phrases

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