Synonyms of harass

harass

verb

hə-ˈras 

as in to kill

to use up all the physical energy of

had been visibly harassed by the demands of the presidency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kill
• wear
• exhaust
• tire
• drain
• bust
• weary
• break
• knock out
• burn out
• wear out
• waste
• wash out
• fatigue
• weaken
• fag
• frazzle
• tucker (out)
• do in
• debilitate
• outwear
• do up
• wear to a frazzle
• enervate
• enfeeble
• sap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• activate
• strengthen
• energize
• rest
• invigorate
• relax
• rejuvenate
• vitalize
• unwind

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb harass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harass are annoy, harry, pester, plague, tease, and worry. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

Where would annoy be a reasonable alternative to harass?

While in some cases nearly identical to harass, annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

When could harry be used to replace harass?

The words harry and harass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When might pester be a better fit than harass?

In some situations, the words pester and harass are roughly equivalent. However, pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

When is it sensible to use plague instead of harass?

The words plague and harass can be used in similar contexts, but plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When can tease be used instead of harass?

While the synonyms tease and harass are close in meaning, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

When would worry be a good substitute for harass?

Although the words worry and harass have much in common, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of harass

Six of the eight men alleged to have harassed and abused women were fired or did not have their contracts renewed and one was suspended after The Athletic requested comment about allegations against him. —CBS News, 7 May 2026

Particularly in authoritarian or nondemocratic nation-states, journalists can be jailed or harassed for doing their job of reporting on abuses of power. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026

After Hurricane Helene in 2024, false rumors caused FEMA workers to be harassed. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026

Baldoni, who directed the film and starred in it with Lively, had denied harassing her or orchestrating a smear campaign. —Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026