Definition of beleaguernext
as in to besiege
to surround (as a fortified place) with armed forces for the purpose of capturing or preventing commerce and communication beleaguered the castle for months

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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 beleaguer This spring, graduates are leaving their respective alma maters and entering a job market that is beleaguered with uncertainty. Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 But their chances have appeared to improve in recent weeks as the unpopular war with Iran and stubborn affordability issues have beleaguered GOP midterm ambitions. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 May 2026 The gig plays to her strengths, while her tenure as Kohl's CEO was rockier and beleaguered by activists. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026 On Tuesday, Midwestern states were beleaguered by strong winds, storms, reports of tornadoes and hail. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beleaguer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beleaguer
besiege
Verb
  • But the film does not explain what ‘hospitality’ has to do with a narrative situation in which the Greeks have been besieging Troy for 10 years already [which Nolan’s movie does not depict]; the Trojans are not their hosts but their enemies in war.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • And yet, besieged by the same afflictions of greed, self-interest and a comical inability to work together, horse racing is doing its damndest to similarly mess up its very good thing.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026

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“Beleaguer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beleaguer. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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