hound 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

hound

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hound distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hound are badger, bait, chivy, heckle, and hector. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

When could badger be used to replace hound?

The words badger and hound 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

Where would bait be a reasonable alternative to hound?

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

baited the chained dog

When is it sensible to use chivy instead of hound?

Although the words chivy and hound have much in common, chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

In what contexts can heckle take the place of hound?

The words heckle and hound 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 hound?

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

football players hectored by their coach

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 hound
Noun
In contrast, hounds and livestock guard dogs were among those least likely to fetch. Judith Stella, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2024 Bill is an opportunist, publicity hound and narcissist, according to his ex-wife, Dani. Joe Otterson, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
Hermoso welcomes Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes to her home to explain how she was hounded by members of the Spanish federation to corroborate Rubiales' version of events. Asif Burhan, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Actors from the biggest films and television shows clamored for invites; NBA and NFL stars hounded managers for hookups; Wall Street honchos tried and failed to buy their way in. Amy Dubois Barnett, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hound 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hound
Noun
  • According to LifeLine, the DeKalb shelter takes in 135 dogs a week on average.
    Jim Gaines, ajc, 13 Sep. 2023
  • The remains were found by two men who were running their dogs and looking for rocks, according to DNASolves.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Sep. 2023
Noun
  • This immersive cooking school is an ideal gift for food lovers who want to increase their culinary skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of cooking.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Baked, roasted, or sauteed, butternut squash is a favorite among many a squash lover.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, and unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The film stars, of all people, Hugh Grant, who is said to have an amazing turn as a villain in the film.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Bucks are cruising, chasing, and tending estrus does.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • There was shouting and general mayhem, punches were thrown and some local Democratic and election officials were chased around the building.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Yes, Donald Trump urged congressional Republicans to reject the bill, but three years of inaction were a bigger issue for voters.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Murphy urged residents to take the drought warning seriously and reduce water use voluntarily.
    Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The two sucker fish, a cultural touchstone for the Klamaths, were listed as endangered in 1988 and have yet to recover.
    Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
  • One of the many amazing facts about the octopus that helped drive this work was that the creatures have as many as 2000 suckers.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The Penguin's Falcone is every bit the misogynistic brute, but his actions are relegated to the off-screen imagination by being implied, rather than shown.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2024
  • The part originally played by Timothy Olyphant has been taken over by Adam Driver—a specialist in magnetic brutes—whose recent movie roles have tended to be titular titans of industry and/or guys with accents.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Or averred that Biden was sharp as a tack and that anyone who suggested otherwise was a jerk.
    Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The extra that was shot by accident earlier this season was one such obnoxious jerk.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near hound

Cite this Entry

“Hound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hound. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on hound

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!