henpecking

verb

present participle of henpeck
as in nagging
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders my doctor henpecked me into adopting a healthier lifestyle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for henpecking
  1. nagging
  2. hounding
  3. begging
  4. dogging
  5. urging
  6. needling
  7. bothering
  8. badgering
Verb
  • Like having her mom, until the time of her passing during COVID-19, pushing Angélique to eat, nagging her to gain weight.
    — A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.
    — Debby Waldman, Parents, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of nagging
Verb
  • Though some accusations seem to hold water, the headline is his hounding in context.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • McDonnell’s personal circle was also hounding her for repayment.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of hounding
Verb
  • Gianni Infantino went from immovable king of football to touring the world, begging people for support.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In the wake of Curry’s death, the Who Done It crew are begging Paramount to trawl its vaults and release the cut.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of begging
Verb
  • Investors have been ratcheting up their expectations for the industry as some companies hike their outlooks and get a better handle on rising medical costs in those plans – an issue that has been dogging the broader sector for more than two years.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 29 July 2026
  • There is a new solution to a problem that's been dogging the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
    — Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of dogging
Verb
  • The backlash went beyond online and reached political figures like New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sent The Met committee a letter urging them to reconsider honoring Galliano.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The criticism then broadened, with Jewish leaders, museum donors and New York politicians publicly urging the museum to reconsider.
    — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of urging
Verb
  • Freedom thought Cloud went low, needling him with accusations of trying to win Cunningham’s affection.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Lestat wants Molloy to tell his side of the story, but Lestat also can’t bear to open up, spending more time needling Molloy than actually engaging with his questions.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Definition of needling
Verb
  • Some interns hesitate to contact their former colleagues for fear of bothering them, but most people are eager to help out young talent.
    — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Contreras rarely takes days off but asked for a day off Sunday with his leg bothering him.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of bothering
Verb
  • O'Hara said years later, children were still badgering her about her forgetfulness.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Nine said league members received money they were owed only after badgering him directly, including threatening to expose him publicly or report him to his employer, and even then, some received only partial winnings.
    — Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of badgering
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.

Browse Nearby Words

henpecked
henpecking
henpecks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Henpecking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/henpecking. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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