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

Bailey also faces a Republican base beset by conspiracy theories and infighting over the party’s leadership, something that led Tracy to resign as state GOP chairman in June 2024 after three and a half years in the post. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

George Lucas, for his part, has suggested that bringing the Lucas Museum to fruition—a project beset by delays and controversy that has taken nearly a decade to realize—was a herculean effort. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Andana Films heads to Le Havre with Gaza, a People’s History, which explores the history of Gaza with historians, experts, residents and witnesses of various conflicts that have beset the territory. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

For generations, the women sustain a world of warmth and care amid what Fleetwood calls a family curse, as the men’s lives are beset by mass incarceration and rampant gun violence. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026