cowardice

noun

ˈkau̇(-ə)r-dəs How to pronounce cowardice (audio)
Definition of cowardicenext
as in fearfulness
a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger the cowardice shown by political leaders who were willing to give the Nazis whatever they wanted

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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 cowardice From its beginnings as a form, the novel has dealt with love and hate, war and peace, courage and cowardice, boredom and catastrophe. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 When someone has lower income, more demands on that income, and less room for error, taking less financial risk is not cowardice. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Victor Marx won’t debate the two other Republicans on the primary ballot for Colorado governor Tuesday night, with the nonprofit leader claiming bias — and his opponents claiming cowardice. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 May 2026 Tilting Iron), but also acts of cowardice, or worse, by those who supported the Vichy regime. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cowardice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cowardice
  1. pusillanimity
  2. spinelessness
Noun
  • If such pusillanimity continues, Democrats risk losing their party to a band of true believers no less destructive than the furthest extremes of the MAGA movement.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • Given the President’s long-standing support for corporate tax cuts and deregulation of industry, this pusillanimity is perhaps not so surprising.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Definition of pusillanimity
Noun
  • Some protesters are there to boo and shame Benitez for her spinelessness.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
Definition of spinelessness

Browse Nearby Words

coward
cowardice
cowardliness
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Cite this Entry

“Cowardice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cowardice. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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