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.
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Recent Examples of accost
In previous years, the 31-year-old originally from Chicago might have lashed back when accosted on the ice.
—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Robinson, who police say has a previous conviction for indecent exposure and lewd conduct, accosted multiple women in the area on Sunday, police said.
—
Joseph Serna,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
At one point during the dizzying saga, the actor is accosted by two fans at a grocery store who drastically overshare about how much his work means to them.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Apr. 2026
Security officials accost people on the street and insist upon examining their smartphones, or even turn up unannounced at homes with the same demand, says Stirling.
—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accost
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Robinson, who police say has a previous conviction for indecent exposure and lewd conduct, accosted multiple women in the area on Sunday, police said.
—
Joseph Serna,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
At one point during the dizzying saga, the actor is accosted by two fans at a grocery store who drastically overshare about how much his work means to them.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Apr. 2026
Security officials accost people on the street and insist upon examining their smartphones, or even turn up unannounced at homes with the same demand, says Stirling.
—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accost
Verb
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Firefighters confront a stubborn blaze inside a 500,000-square-foot frozen-food warehouse built like a giant cooler, with burning foam insulation, solar panels and ammonia lines complicating the multi-day battle.
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Jessie, confronting her abandonment trauma, blames technology after being separated with Bullseye, but ultimately helps a tech toy, Smarty Pants, to connect Bonnie with a new friend.
Verb
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Now is his chance to test the waters and find out if any suitors will approach him with an offer sheet.
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For a player who already set the bar so high — his 109 catches were a school record — yet fell short of his ultimate goal, how Toney approaches his sophomore year will be worth the watch.
Verb
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An activity that may seem leisurely, such as swimming in a river, could end up more dangerous if someone encounters an unexpected rip current.
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One common problem growers encounter is the wilting of plants and foliage.
Cite this Entry
“Accost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accost. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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