kowtow
verb (used without object)
to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
kowtows
-
present tense formof kowtow (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The head of the department is a micromanager and everyone kowtows to him.
From New York Times ● Mar. 18, 2023
Even when her voice is high and sweet, she never kowtows.
From The New Yorker ● Feb. 14, 2019
“If he kowtows to anyone, and people stop believing that he’s saying what he means, he’s going to kill the brand.”
From New York Times ● Nov. 20, 2014
And then he watches as Katrina kowtows to the Headless Horseman, in fact saving his life but also showing her shifting allegiance.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2014
Pinmei stumbled, pulling Yishan with her so they both ended up in the humblest of kowtows.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
