accost

Definition of accostnext
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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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accost
Verb
  • When confronted by lawmakers and journalists, Adorni has struggled to explain the inconsistency between his lavish spending and modest salary.
    Clara Preve, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • Joe and Angela eventually confront their own marital fractures, including Angela's desire for attention and their lack of intimacy.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Tracy had approached the team about a contract extension late in the 2005 season, a bold request considering the team’s record.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Many were already struggling when the Biden administration attempted to enact sweeping student debt relief in the wake of the Covid pandemic, but the proposal encountered Republican blowback.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • Raising this concern to the funeral director is a great option as that person may have encountered a similar situation and be fully prepared to help walk the family through it with sensitivity to the needs of all involved.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Accost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accost. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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