Synonyms of beset

beset

verb

bi-ˈset 

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

• plague
• afflict
• persecute
• besiege
• bedevil
• torture
• torment
• bother
• attack
• curse
• anguish
• trouble
• agonize
• harrow
• assail
• excruciate
• sting
• rack
• overwhelm
• aggravate
• pursue
• strike
• exasperate
• disturb
• vex
• annoy
• distress
• worry
• irk
• irritate
• harass
• hurt
• upset
• discomfort
• perturb
• pester
• oppress
• disquiet
• hound
• agitate
• rile
• grieve
• bug
• chafe
• stress
• molest
• badger
• dog
• try
• discompose
• gripe
• pain
• ride
• victimize
• smite
• overpower
• fluster
• grate
• pique
• harry
• put out
• stab
• strain
• gall
• crush
• tyrannize
• nettle
• wring
• peeve
• prick
• smart
• rasp
• get
• hagride
• martyr
• pang

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assist
• help
• aid
• relieve
• deliver
• abet
• release
• soothe
• comfort
• quiet
• console
• content
• reprieve
• succor
• solace

2

as in to attack

to take sudden, violent action against

the unsuspecting tourists were suddenly beset by robbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attack
• assault
• raid
• storm
• strike
• assail
• rob
• ambush
• set at
• turn (on)
• charge
• set on
• set upon
• invade
• descend (on or upon)
• swarm
• rush
• go in (on)
• round on
• jump (on)
• fly at
• sic
• tear into
• bushwhack
• pounce (on or upon)
• pitch into
• beat up on
• besiege
• mob
• surprise
• trash
• waylay
• go at
• light into
• barrage
• sack
• bombard
• flank
• ravage
• gang up (on)
• overrun
• plunder
• blitz
• bomb
• beleaguer
• nuke
• cannon
• batter
• ambuscade
• plaster
• pillage
• loot
• envelop
• bum-rush
• buffet
• mug
• cannonade
• harry
• foray
• bang away (at)
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• secure
• defend
• cover
• guard
• shield

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of beset

Both Smollett and Brown have been beset by controversy throughout their careers, which makes their coupling a bit astounding. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Bericoto acknowledged that his mind is beset by the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, where the death toll continues to rise from the massive earthquakes that struck the country last Wednesday. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Rodent infestation and mold are among the many problems besetting the 19th-century estate. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026

Built in response to the 1973 oil crisis, the plant was beset by corruption and safety issues from the start. — Lorela U. Sandoval, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026