beset; besetting
1
: to set or stud with or as if with ornaments
a crown beset with rubies
… leaves, whose edges were beset with thorns …—
J. G. Frazer
J. G. FrazerExamples of beset in a Sentence
A lack of money is the greatest problem besetting the city today.
he's been beset by a lack of self-confidence virtually his entire life
Recent Examples on the Web
After the oil boom, Venezuela somehow ended up poorer, beset by corruption and hyperinflation.
—The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
In filigree, there’s a palpable desire to combat a view of Vietnam as a country beset by poverty.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Behind the scenes, however, multiple sources say the game was beset by logistical and financial issues, including difficulties in securing corporate sponsors and a television partner—and, ultimately, paying at least one of the teams.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2026
On this occasion, Arsenal’s team and fans became equally beset by nerves — a vicious cycle of anxiety that sucked the life (and the noise) out of the Emirates Stadium.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
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The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
In filigree, there’s a palpable desire to combat a view of Vietnam as a country beset by poverty.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Behind the scenes, however, multiple sources say the game was beset by logistical and financial issues, including difficulties in securing corporate sponsors and a television partner—and, ultimately, paying at least one of the teams.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2026
On this occasion, Arsenal’s team and fans became equally beset by nerves — a vicious cycle of anxiety that sucked the life (and the noise) out of the Emirates Stadium.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beset
Cite this Entry
“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beset. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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