bullying 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bullyingnext
as in browbeating

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bullying

2 of 3

noun

as in coercion

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bullying

3 of 3

verb

present participle of bully
1
as in abusing
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon the kindergarten teacher explained why it was wrong to bully classmates

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2
as in intimidating
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats the manager was fired for bullying employees

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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 bullying
Adjective
In recent years, Lewinsky has reemerged in the public eye, becoming an anti-bullying advocate and public speaker. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 The district maintains an anti-bullying policy outlined in its student handbook. — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
Yet research consistently links heavy smartphone and social media use among children and adolescents to poor sleep, anxiety and depression, bullying, attention difficulties and academic challenges. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Our country right now is mired in a level of bullying and intolerance that, for some, might feed their fears, but won’t feed their family. — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Verb
Muslim students continue to report the highest rates of bullying among religious groups in the country. — Tazheen Nizam, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 The Daily Mail reported in November that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against Harbour before filming on the final season began. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bullying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bullying
  1. resolved
  2. coercion
  3. abusing
  4. intimidating
  5. ascetic
  6. intimidation
  7. frightening
  8. monastic
Adjective
  • Lebanon’s fragile sovereignty The lack of resolved borders and Israel’s periodic incursions into southern Lebanon have predictably meant that Lebanon has struggled to assert sovereignty over its own territory.
    — Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
  • What frustrated her most was that the issue refused to stay resolved.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Definition of resolved
Noun
  • The decision must be voluntary, informed, and free of coercion.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The key risk lies not in policy convergence but in setting precedents that blur the boundaries between law enforcement, coercion and commerce.
    — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Definition of coercion
Verb
  • But this marks the first time someone inside the White House has been investigated for allegedly abusing that access for prediction market profits.
    — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 16 July 2026
  • Pitt has been accused of allegedly abusing Jolie and their children.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of abusing
Verb
  • Although moving an entire kitchen might sound intimidating, Shoemaker says years of DIY renovations had quietly prepared them for a project of this scale.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • The products are designed to feel intuitive rather than intimidating.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of intimidating
Adjective
  • Once inside, warm, tropical breezes flow into the hotel’s ascetic, nevertheless grand lobby, wafting you towards a magical cloister filled with plants and robust Botero sculptures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
  • Grothendieck was intense and ascetic from his early days.
    — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026
Definition of ascetic
Noun
  • Drawing on the testimonies of 255 workers across eight factories in Pakistan, the report portrays an industry beset by pervasive unlawful wages, excessive working hours, harassment, bullying, surveillance and intimidation.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
  • An animalistic sense of intimidation coils beneath each gesture as Bracken offers a remarkable follow-up to her breakout role as a stern clairvoyant.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of intimidation
Verb
  • Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.
    — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • Practice frequently occurs within a monastic or lay community.
    — Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Jason was hissing fiercely; Gordon, who projects a monastic calm, was trying to reason with the mother while batting her back each time the flap swung open.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of monastic

Browse Nearby Words

bullyboys
bullying
bullyrag
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Cite this Entry

“Bullying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bullying. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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