BESIEGE Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

besiege

verb

bi-ˈsēj

Definition of besiege

as in to attack

to surround (as a fortified place) with armed forces for the purpose of capturing or preventing commerce and communication armies besieged the city for six months before it finally surrendered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to plague

to cause persistent suffering to a family besieged by worries about the faltering economy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner bereaved parents continued to besiege the president with pleas to end the war

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 besiege Israeli police have not announced any arrests or charges against any settler allegedly involved in besieging the Palestinian homes and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the incident. — Reuters, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Saunders is one of the most senior Australian Catholics to be convicted in a global clergy abuse scandal that has besieged the Vatican for years. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 The Pratts are in serious crisis, besieged by bullies and bad neighbors outside of their house and foundation-crumbling dysfunction inside it. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for besiege

Recent Examples of Synonyms for besiege

Verb

Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone leaders say the pastor’s words attack their identity and echo past religious assimilation, spurring weekly demonstrations and new rules requiring outside ministries to seek tribal approval.

— Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
To beat the odds, founders need to plan for a long-term goal that is relevant and achievable, then attack it in a series of sprints that enable incremental growth.

— Deann Evans, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of attack

Verb

The leaders of America’s largest transit systems say there are common problems that plague them all, including riders who do not pay their fare on trains and buses, cybersecurity threats and a need to modernize systems.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
For Guhle, this is yet another physical setback among many that have plagued the 24-year-old’s NHL career.

— Arpon Basu, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of plague

Verb

Inside, a speakeasy-style bar room, pool table, and grand piano invite long evenings of conversation, while the deck, sauna, and BBQ beg for one last breath of time spent outside.

— Madeline Weinfield, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026
In order to create the experience, the outlet will focus on the famous Red and Blue kitchens, show experiences, and a prominent bar that begs you to join us for a drink.

— Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of beg

Verb

The United States had just bombed Afghanistan, explosives had been found under the George Washington Bridge, the borders of New York State had been blockaded.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
During the 19th century, President Abraham Lincoln used the Prize Act of 1812 to blockade Confederate seaports—an act that was contested and eventually upheld by the Supreme Court.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of blockade

Verb

The painful condition, which causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow on other parts of the body, afflicts 1 in 10 women worldwide.

— Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The work continues and the Frates family has maintained the passion that Pete instilled in them in fighting the disease that is still afflicting far too many people.

— Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of afflict

Verb

If the 9th Circuit sides with the NFL, the plaintiffs in the class action can petition the appeals court for a rehearing en banc.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026
In 2025, le perline protested in Piazza Maggiore under a red banner shaped like a bra and petitioned the European Parliament.

— Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of petition

Verb

Also, some immigration cases involve people seeking asylum because they are being persecuted by a foreign government and releasing a person’s full name could be considered sensitive or even dangerous.

— Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026
The Tates have denied all allegations and have claimed they are being persecuted for their views.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026