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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Server Josh Garner says he was accosted last week by an angry man.
—
Tovia Smith, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Sometimes the school nurse would accost me in the halls.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Coristine and a woman were standing next to their car on Swann Street, several blocks from Logan Circle, when they were allegedly accosted by multiple suspects, according to police.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
According to a police affidavit based on hotel video footage of the scuffle and the driver’s statement to authorities, Sanchez accosted the driver of a box truck that backed into the loading docks at a hotel.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Tovia Smith, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Sometimes the school nurse would accost me in the halls.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Coristine and a woman were standing next to their car on Swann Street, several blocks from Logan Circle, when they were allegedly accosted by multiple suspects, according to police.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
According to a police affidavit based on hotel video footage of the scuffle and the driver’s statement to authorities, Sanchez accosted the driver of a box truck that backed into the loading docks at a hotel.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accost
Verb
-
This could look like confronting jealousy in a relationship, realizing a friendship has turned competitive or renegotiating a partnership where one person holds the reins.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it, confronting family, identity, and a relationship that becomes life-or-death.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Still, the company reported a $110 million net loss for that same period, due in large part to spending of $90 million on research and development, approaching the $107 million spent on R&D for all of 2024.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Safety remains the top concern as trucks encounter unpredictable weather, road debris and human drivers.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
When encountered, moose should be given ample space and not approached, Van Hoose said.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Accost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accost. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share