variants or chivvy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chivy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chivy are badger, bait, heckle, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is it sensible to use badger instead of chivy?

The words badger and chivy can be used in similar contexts, but badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When is bait a more appropriate choice than chivy?

While the synonyms bait and chivy are close in meaning, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When would heckle be a good substitute for chivy?

The words heckle and chivy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

When can hector be used instead of chivy?

While in some cases nearly identical to chivy, hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

In what contexts can hound take the place of chivy?

In some situations, the words hound and chivy are roughly equivalent. However, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chivy Chelsea had chivied and harried and unnerved Real Madrid, the reigning European champion. Rory Smith, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2023 For smaller losses, says David Gluckman, Lumkani’s boss, policyholders often have to be chivvied into claiming. The Economist, 22 Aug. 2019 But radium was rare and costly, with tiny quantities hoarded and chivvied between nations for experiments. New York Times, 28 Aug. 2019 After becoming prime minister in 2014, Narendra Modi chivvied bankers to open accounts for everyone. The Economist, 6 June 2019 Abloh had booked a club and chivvied the throng to get down there. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2019 The rich world should focus its attention—and resources, including charity—on chivvying them along. The Economist, 1 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivy
Verb
  • Sadly, the mainstream media hasn’t bothered to ask me any questions about it.
    Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024
  • With so much competition, why would China even bother pouring money and effort into such megaconstellations?
    Magdalena Petrova, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • You’re annoyed by it all, until the next horde of patrons do the same.
    Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Claire’s dopey jock boyfriend Simon (Charlie Hall) generally annoys her with his requests for sexts and movie nights.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Owners should be cautious about walking areas where the sidewalks or roads are salted, as the texture and chemicals can irritate or cut a dog's paw pads.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Humans must remain in the loop, and treating human interaction like a premium service is a quick route to irritating many customers.
    Todd Fisher, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near chivy

Cite this Entry

“Chivy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chivy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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