heckle

Synonym Chooser

How is the word heckle distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of heckle are badger, bait, chivy, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

Where would badger be a reasonable alternative to heckle?

The meanings of badger and heckle largely overlap; however, badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When might bait be a better fit than heckle?

While in some cases nearly identical to heckle, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When can chivy be used instead of heckle?

The words chivy and heckle can be used in similar contexts, but chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is hector a more appropriate choice than heckle?

The synonyms hector and heckle are sometimes interchangeable, but hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

When would hound be a good substitute for heckle?

Although the words hound and heckle have much in common, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

Example 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 heckle Footage of North Carolina Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican, being heckled at a town hall event in Asheville on Thursday has gone viral on social media, racking up more than a million views. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Thompson heckled and jeered during speeches and ultimately had to be escorted out by police. Mycah Hazel, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025 Republican representatives continue to be heckled at their town halls across the country. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Footage of North Carolina Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican, being heckled at a town hall event in Asheville on Thursday has gone viral on social media, racking up more than a million views. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heckle
Verb
  • Sometimes songs are written by fan clubs and are tailored to taunt that day’s opponent.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The man’s life is unraveling because of the grief that takes the form of an unhinged and unwanted houseguest – a crow – that taunts him from the shadows.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The trailer also teases a subplot involving a pregnancy between Sue Storm and Reed Richards, possibly hinting at the birth of their son, Franklin Richards, a character with universe-altering powers in Marvel lore.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Fans of the finger food, made with a tortilla-crumb breading, can look forward to having it year-round, as Taco Bell teased plans to make nuggets part of the permanent menu by 2026.
    Tanasia Kenney, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Constance, the policy consultant, says his 29-year-old daughter had joined other liberal family members in mocking him over his participation in NatalCon.
    Meena Duerson, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Altman mocked Musk by making a counter-offer to buy X for $9.7 billion.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Heckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heckle. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on heckle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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