as in to confront
to approach and speak to (someone) often in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way
He was accosted by peddlers selling touristy trinkets on the street. She was so famous that people would accost her on the street and ask for an autograph.
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Recent Examples of accost
Probably her most famous photo, an only-in-New-York moment, depicts a heavily garbed Hasidic Jew who has somehow wandered onto a nudist beach at Jacob Riis Park, in Queens, only to be accosted by a stark-naked posing bodybuilder.
—
Arthur Lubow, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Three snaps into his outing, when an Eagles safety banged him a moment after an incompletion, Kelce whirled in anger and accosted him.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Haynes’ relatives reportedly told police that the woman had accosted Haynes at his workplace, Highland Hospital.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
The couple's Sussex Squad online supporters spotted author Tom Bower in the audience, with one fan accosting the author.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Arthur Lubow, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Three snaps into his outing, when an Eagles safety banged him a moment after an incompletion, Kelce whirled in anger and accosted him.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Haynes’ relatives reportedly told police that the woman had accosted Haynes at his workplace, Highland Hospital.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
The couple's Sussex Squad online supporters spotted author Tom Bower in the audience, with one fan accosting the author.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accost
Verb
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This story is not just a story of Iranian women, but a story that is confronting ideas of body image.—
Xian Horn,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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When confronted by intruders, the resident caterpillars dialed up the signal rate by about four times.—
Becky Ferreira,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But then, director Richard Donner approached the young actor.—
Kate Hogan,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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An initial investigation showed the pickup truck and bicyclist were westbound on CR 600 N approaching CR 450 E along the Washington Township/Jackson Township line.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Texas resident encountered the puppy in the desert, where she had been left behind by larger dogs after failing to keep up with them, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE from Paws of War, which added that the trembling puppy immediately gravitated toward Ríos.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Fascinating wildlife can be encountered all year round, but for best results, be sure to time your visit between June and October to catch a glimpse of the visiting humpback whales.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Accost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accost. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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