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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Recent Examples of cowardice
While the Republicans have a culture of corruption, the Democrats have a culture of cowardice.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Some called it cowardice to avoid offending Donald Trump given the billionaire’s various business interests.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024
Prophecy so tightly adheres to Villeneuve’s vision that the series feels like an act of cowardice and abdication of creativity.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
Navalny’s memoir deftly exposes the infinite vices in the current Russian government that rewards venality, cowardice and stupidity but punishes integrity, brains and the courage to speak truth to power.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cowardice 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Some called it cowardice to avoid offending Donald Trump given the billionaire’s various business interests.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024
Prophecy so tightly adheres to Villeneuve’s vision that the series feels like an act of cowardice and abdication of creativity.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
Navalny’s memoir deftly exposes the infinite vices in the current Russian government that rewards venality, cowardice and stupidity but punishes integrity, brains and the courage to speak truth to power.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cowardice
Thesaurus Entries Near cowardice
Cite this Entry
“Cowardice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cowardice. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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