Quick answer
Kowtow means to act in an excessively submissive or fawning way. It is usually pronounced kow-TOW, and today it is still readable to modern audiences rather than everyday speech.
Word page
Kowtow
To kowtow means to act in an excessively submissive or fawning way. It belongs to ridiculous verbs and works best in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
verbcomical-actionexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you kowtow, you to act in an excessively submissive or fawning way. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Kowtow feels absurd because its repeated sounds give it a bounce or wobble that makes the word feel half descriptive and half sound effect.
Origin and history
Kowtow is generally traced to from a Chinese term for kneeling and bowing in respect. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Kowtow is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The interns began to kowtow at once when the projector failed again.
- He kowtowed through the explanation so fast that nobody trusted the final answer.
- In the play, nervous witnesses kowtow whenever the magistrate clears his throat.
- She refused to kowtow about the crisis and gave the room a usable plan instead.
- The children kowtowed excitedly after finding the attic full of costumes.
When should you use this word?
Use kowtow when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
Similar words
Bamboozle, Beclown, Bedaub, Kakorrhaphiophobia, Kelpie
Opposite or contrasting words
stillness, restraint, straightforward action
Why people search for this word
People usually search for kowtow because they have seen it in print, heard it aloud, or want to check whether its tone is comic, serious, archaic, or sharper than expected.
If that is why you landed here, compare it with Ridiculous Verbs, browse the stronger K-words, and follow Words That Mean Confused for nearby pages that answer the same kind of search intent.
How to use it correctly
Use kowtow when you want the meaning to land quickly and the tone to do a little extra work at the same time.
Keep the surrounding sentence simple, then branch out through Weird Words for Writers, the Ridiculous Verbs shelf, and the K-words archive if you want close alternatives that still feel intentional rather than random.
That way the word sounds chosen for meaning and effect, not just dropped in because it looks unusual.
Common questions
- What does kowtow mean? Kowtow means to behave with exaggerated submission or deference toward someone more powerful.
- Is kowtow a noun or a verb? Most often a verb in modern English, though related noun uses exist in historical discussion.
- What is the difference between kowtow and respect? Respect can be sincere and measured; kowtow suggests excessive, servile, or self-abasing submission.
- How do you pronounce kowtow? It is commonly pronounced KOW-tow.
- Is kowtow still used today? Yes, especially in politics, commentary, and criticism where writers want to imply humiliating deference.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.