Synonyms of harass

harass

verb

hə-ˈras 

as in to kill

to use up all the physical energy of

had been visibly harassed by the demands of the presidency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kill
• wear
• exhaust
• tire
• drain
• bust
• weary
• break
• knock out
• burn out
• wear out
• waste
• wash out
• fatigue
• weaken
• fag
• frazzle
• tucker (out)
• do in
• debilitate
• outwear
• do up
• wear to a frazzle
• enervate
• enfeeble
• sap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• activate
• strengthen
• energize
• rest
• invigorate
• relax
• rejuvenate
• vitalize
• unwind

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb harass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harass are annoy, harry, pester, plague, tease, and worry. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

Where would annoy be a reasonable alternative to harass?

While in some cases nearly identical to harass, annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

When could harry be used to replace harass?

The words harry and harass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When might pester be a better fit than harass?

In some situations, the words pester and harass are roughly equivalent. However, pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

When is it sensible to use plague instead of harass?

The words plague and harass can be used in similar contexts, but plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When can tease be used instead of harass?

While the synonyms tease and harass are close in meaning, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

When would worry be a good substitute for harass?

Although the words worry and harass have much in common, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of harass

The Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police is hosting a petition saying Roley is harassing officers. —Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 11 Aug. 2025

On college campuses, Jewish students were harassed, threatened and assaulted while too many progressive leaders looked away. —Caren Leven, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2025

Stalking is an issue that affects women across all sports — for instance, tennis star Iga Swiatek was confronted during a Miami Open practice in March by a man who had previously harassed her on social media. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

In one video posted on Facebook by Deb Rose, three turkeys were chasing and vocally harassing a mailman on foot. —Alex Music, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2025