variants or chivvy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chivy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chivy are badger, bait, heckle, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is it sensible to use badger instead of chivy?

The words badger and chivy can be used in similar contexts, but badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When is bait a more appropriate choice than chivy?

While the synonyms bait and chivy are close in meaning, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When would heckle be a good substitute for chivy?

The words heckle and chivy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

When can hector be used instead of chivy?

While in some cases nearly identical to chivy, hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

In what contexts can hound take the place of chivy?

In some situations, the words hound and chivy are roughly equivalent. However, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

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 chivy Chelsea had chivied and harried and unnerved Real Madrid, the reigning European champion. Rory Smith, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2023 For smaller losses, says David Gluckman, Lumkani’s boss, policyholders often have to be chivvied into claiming. The Economist, 22 Aug. 2019 But radium was rare and costly, with tiny quantities hoarded and chivvied between nations for experiments. New York Times, 28 Aug. 2019 After becoming prime minister in 2014, Narendra Modi chivvied bankers to open accounts for everyone. The Economist, 6 June 2019 Abloh had booked a club and chivvied the throng to get down there. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2019 The rich world should focus its attention—and resources, including charity—on chivvying them along. The Economist, 1 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivy
Verb
  • While notification bundles were an option before, they were primarily used for messaging, and not all developers bothered.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
  • If Waldron wasn’t battered, then Phillies starter Zack Wheeler was hardly bothered.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Francie instantly annoys Nat by kissing Pete hello, and the two women start yelling at each other immediately.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 27 June 2025
  • If visible bulbs and cables annoy you, these aren’t for you.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Jake Paul’s everyday unscented face wash avoids irritating fragrances but is infused with vitamin B3 to help keep your skin hydrated.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • Work exposures: If you are frequently exposed to irritating chemicals or substances, your risk of dermatitis is higher.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chivy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chivy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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