as in approaching
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 accosting
The Michigan State Police said Robert Wilson, 44, of Gaylord, was arrested on March 25 and lodged at the Otsego County Jail on one charge each of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime.
—
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Fallon quipped that White must not be able to leave the house for fear of actors accosting him asking to be on the show.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2026
Maybe the white-haired woman in the Phillies hoodie has done something more egregious than being outhustled for a home run ball in the stands at LoanDepot Park in Miami, and then accosting the dad who retrieved it and gave it to his son for the kid's birthday.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The trailer features minimal dialogue, and Farrell, 49, is seen running through the streets and accosting casino employees at one point.
—Jack Smart, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Fallon quipped that White must not be able to leave the house for fear of actors accosting him asking to be on the show.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2026
Maybe the white-haired woman in the Phillies hoodie has done something more egregious than being outhustled for a home run ball in the stands at LoanDepot Park in Miami, and then accosting the dad who retrieved it and gave it to his son for the kid's birthday.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The trailer features minimal dialogue, and Farrell, 49, is seen running through the streets and accosting casino employees at one point.
—Jack Smart, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accosting
Verb
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Anya Kamenetz To learn to fly-fish, contact angler Jim Fulton, who usually takes his students to the Harlem Meer to practice casting, tying knots, and approaching the water.—
The Editors,
Curbed,
16 Apr. 2026
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Members Janet Musil and Meg Peo will give historical context and encourage a discussion about the Electoral College as part of the library’s America 250 series in honor of the country’s approaching 250th anniversary.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After confronting Ryan, terminating his contract and telling him to leave her life, she was mortified when Ryan contacted her daughter, who was 21 at the time, via social media.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
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The real problems confronting each character never find a too-easy solution, and that realness adds to a bit of a Sean Baker-like edge to the proceedings.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accosting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accosting. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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