as in to pick at
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders
kept pecking at their prodigal daughter to get off the couch and to start looking for a job
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peck (at)
Verb
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Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’ has faced a difficult road to its opening next week, with external controversies dogging it at every step.—
Ryan Faughnder,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2025 -
Several of the weekly exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners have been dogged by last-minute accusations and near-cancellations.—
Matt Bradley,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The interaction between Briony and Jamie starts off amiably, with Jamie needling Briony for her posh affectations.—
Doreen St. Félix,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
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Plagued by suspicious neighbors and needling strangers, tormented by memories of better times and dreams of what could have been, the Millers are getting by on the edge of a knife.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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That included claims that Dorit's estranged husband, Paul Kemsley, had staged their 2021 home invasion in which Dorit begged for the safety of their children's lives as she was held at gunpoint.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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But like my friend who only visits any place once for a peek, those sights may not beg a second visit.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Don’t Stay In Environments That Don’t Support Gender Parity Dr. Thomas urges women to assess whether staying in toxic environments is worth the emotional toll.—
Gena Cox,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Police urged any potential witnesses to submit video footage of the shooting or of people with guns.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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By James Parker Editor’s Note: Is anything ailing, torturing, or nagging at you?—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
18 Mar. 2025
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Nevertheless, a little voice in the back of your head seems to be nagging you about something.—
Georgia Nicols,
The Denver Post,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Because Congress never bothered to write a law to establish it.—
Jay Cost,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
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Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, OL, LSU Will Campbell has fallen a bit due to his shorter arm length, but that likely won't bother Ben Johnson.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Like the first two matchups, TCU led most of the way as the Horned Frogs hounded Baylor on defense.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Mar. 2025
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The children of celebrities don’t usually have a typical childhood—whether they are hounded by the paparazzi or attending glamorous Hollywood events with their celebrity parents.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
16 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Peck (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peck%20%28at%29. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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