1
as in to plague
to cause persistent suffering to
he's been beset by a lack of self-confidence virtually his entire life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to attack
to take sudden, violent action against
the unsuspecting tourists were suddenly beset by robbers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 beset
An IndyStar investigation, which is based on interviews with four dozen people, including current and former inmates, their families and former employees, found Miami Correctional is constantly beset by violence fueled by gangs and drugs.
—
Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Developers are taking an extended break from a slumping San Diego area office market beset by empty space, depressed demand and high construction costs.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025
The new coach, meanwhile, hasn’t ever had a losing season — and that easily could have changed when injuries beset West Virginia a year ago.
—The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
It's been almost eight years since Tesla first announced the next-gen Roadster, and the project has been beset by delays and setbacks ever since.
—PC Magazine, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beset
Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Developers are taking an extended break from a slumping San Diego area office market beset by empty space, depressed demand and high construction costs.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025
The new coach, meanwhile, hasn’t ever had a losing season — and that easily could have changed when injuries beset West Virginia a year ago.
—The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
It's been almost eight years since Tesla first announced the next-gen Roadster, and the project has been beset by delays and setbacks ever since.
—PC Magazine, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beset
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beset
Verb
-
Those three couples represent a range of partnerships, from young, recently separated parents that are hoping for a reconciliation to longterm partners intent to work through the issues that plague such unions (think power, recognition, respect, money and more).—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Quarterback Dart and running back Skattebo have been plagued by injuries during their rookie seasons, and Daboll has been unable to find consistency in his offense.—
Thomas Schlachter,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In October alone, shoppers were attacked in a supermarket, a Spanish tourist was scratched by a cub at a heritage site, and a trail runner was forced to wrestle a bear in the woods before sprinting to safety.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles into Israel in response and attacked the Middle East's largest American military base in Qatar.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Eaton and Palisades Fires afflicted every class and demographic group.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Illness and job losses left Allen Gray vulnerable to a problem that afflicts thousands of Cincinnati seniors.—
Dan Horn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
An 88-year-old Seattle woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after a man violently assaulted and robbed her, biting off her finger and stealing her jewelry, police say.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
In video of the event shared on social media, several members of the audience could be seen physically assaulting one of the activists who lit a red flare.—
Philippe Cordier,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
German far-right influencer applies for asylum in US A prominent far-right German activist and influencer is seeking political asylum in the US, arguing she is being persecuted at home for her beliefs.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Langkawi, Malaysia Reuters — The number of people confirmed dead after a boat carrying members of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya community sank near the Thailand-Malaysia border rose to 11 on Monday, authorities said, with about 70 people believed to have been on board the capsized vessel.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Just last week, Chicago and national media falsely accused law enforcement of raiding a daycare center.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Dance parties like the one in Iranshahr are still sometimes raided by the police.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The San Francisco 49ers continue to be besieged by significant injuries for the second season in a row.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Earth itself is suddenly besieged by an alien invasion.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Police geared up and stormed the compound, using a hoe to knock the padlock off a door inside.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Players must focus on teamwork, communication and coordination to successfully complete orders before customers get angry and storm out.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beset. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share