as in to confront
to approach and speak to (someone) often in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way
He was accosted by peddlers selling touristy trinkets on the street. She was so famous that people would accost her on the street and ask for an autograph.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 accost
But the Inland Empire lawmaker has forcefully denied the allegations, accusing officers of accosting her and detaining her against her will while at the hospital.
—
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025
The specimen, which represented the new, had the unexpected effect of making the original labiata seem old and therefore more appealing to those Victorians who felt accosted by modernity.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Some said the security guards were too rough, while another said the man had been accosting people at the center that day before security stepped in.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
The next day, Joel accosts Gail at the diner for help.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025
The specimen, which represented the new, had the unexpected effect of making the original labiata seem old and therefore more appealing to those Victorians who felt accosted by modernity.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Some said the security guards were too rough, while another said the man had been accosting people at the center that day before security stepped in.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
The next day, Joel accosts Gail at the diner for help.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accost
Verb
-
In late 1996, Cochran finally got a chance to confront Butler.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
-
Seconds later they are confronted by the Front Man, who has traded his Player 001 green tracksuit for a menacing gray ensemble and a black mask.—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The sheriff's office warned that Decker should be considered armed and dangerous, and said that anyone who sees him should not attempt to contact or approach him.—
Kerry Breen
June 18,
CBS News,
18 June 2025
-
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach and to call 911 immediately.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
On the other hand, drivers relying on an EV's full driving range in optimal conditions may encounter frustrating performance issues.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
-
The law also gave the Advocate the authority and responsibility to make Congress aware of recurring, unresolved problems and difficulties taxpayers encounter in dealing with the IRS.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Accost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accost. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share