Thesaurus

bait

Q: How is the word 'bait' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of bait are badger , chivy , heckle , hector , and hound . While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim. // baited the chained dog

Q: When can 'badger' be used instead of 'bait'?

Although the words badger and bait have much in common, badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy. // badgered her father for a car

Q: When would 'chivy' be a good substitute for 'bait'?

While the synonyms chivy and bait are close in meaning, chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging. // chivied the new student mercilessly

Q: When is it sensible to use 'heckle' instead of 'bait'?

The words heckle and bait are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker. // drunks heckled the stand-up comic

Q: When could 'hector' be used to replace 'bait'?

The words hector and bait can be used in similar contexts, but hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering. // football players hectored by their coach

Q: Where would 'hound' be a reasonable alternative to 'bait'?

The meanings of hound and bait largely overlap; however, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing. // hounded by creditors

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of bait

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap

cheese is the traditional bait for trapping mice

Synonyms for bait

decoy,
lure

Words Related to bait

Near Antonyms for bait

repellent
(also repellant)

2 something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain

the promise of free vacation is surefire bait to get people to agree to be chaperones for school trips

Synonyms for bait

Words Related to bait

appeal,
call

Near Antonyms for bait

bait

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of bait (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults

I wished the candidates would stop baiting each other and instead address the real issues

Synonyms for bait

Words Related to bait

Phrases Synonymous with bait

2 to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

the investment scheme cunningly baits the greedy and the unscrupulous

Synonyms for bait

Words Related to bait

Near Antonyms for bait

Frequently Asked Questions About bait

How is the word bait distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of bait are badger, chivy, heckle, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When can badger be used instead of bait?

Although the words badger and bait have much in common, badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When would chivy be a good substitute for bait?

While the synonyms chivy and bait are close in meaning, chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is it sensible to use heckle instead of bait?

The words heckle and bait are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic