Kowtowed means to act in a submissive manner or to show extreme respect or obedience. Some synonyms for kowtowed include bowed, groveled, submitted, yielded, and acquiesced. Other options may include genuflected, prostrated, deferred, obeyed, or complied. These words all convey a sense of submissiveness and deference to someone or something else. The usage of these synonyms can vary depending on the context of the situation, but they all generally express a similar type of behavior. Whether someone is bowing to a leader or submitting to a command, these synonyms for kowtowed can be useful in conveying the appropriate tone in writing or speech.