pick on
verb
picked on; picking on; picks on
: to single out for criticism, teasing, or bullying
picked on smaller boys
also
: to single out for a particular purpose or for special attention
Examples of pick on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After being picked on by a local bully and feeling neglected at home, 10-year-old Lucas takes out his frustration on an ant hill in his yard.
—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 1 Feb. 2026
Ever since Posey took over in October 2024, the organization has made a concerted effort to pack its minor-league system with contact hitters, spending high draft picks on collegians such as Gavin Kilen (Tennessee) and Trevor Cohen (Rutgers), who posted high averages and low strikeout rates.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
However, even when the Bobcats' starting guard and forward returned to the game, they were constantly picked on defensively.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 1 Feb. 2026
On the other side, the Thunder patiently rebuilt, used the 2022 Clippers pick on All-Star Jalen Williams, and watched as Gilgeous-Alexander turned into a scoring champion and a MVP that led the squad to the 2025 title.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
The result feels more tea leaf than latte, and less sweet than other picks on this list.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
However, Svitolina won’t be able to pick on Sabalenka’s serve or forehand.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The Malin+Goetz Scented Candle is the top pick on my Valentine’s Day wishlist this year (hint, hint).
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
His presence has forced opposing quarterbacks to pick on his counterpart on the other side of the field, fellow cornerback Riley Moss.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2026
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Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 1 Feb. 2026
Ever since Posey took over in October 2024, the organization has made a concerted effort to pack its minor-league system with contact hitters, spending high draft picks on collegians such as Gavin Kilen (Tennessee) and Trevor Cohen (Rutgers), who posted high averages and low strikeout rates.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
However, even when the Bobcats' starting guard and forward returned to the game, they were constantly picked on defensively.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 1 Feb. 2026
On the other side, the Thunder patiently rebuilt, used the 2022 Clippers pick on All-Star Jalen Williams, and watched as Gilgeous-Alexander turned into a scoring champion and a MVP that led the squad to the 2025 title.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
The result feels more tea leaf than latte, and less sweet than other picks on this list.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
However, Svitolina won’t be able to pick on Sabalenka’s serve or forehand.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The Malin+Goetz Scented Candle is the top pick on my Valentine’s Day wishlist this year (hint, hint).
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
His presence has forced opposing quarterbacks to pick on his counterpart on the other side of the field, fellow cornerback Riley Moss.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pick on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20on. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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