Synonyms of harass

harass

verb

hə-ˈras 

as in to wear

to use up all the physical energy of

had been visibly harassed by the demands of the presidency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wear
• exhaust
• tire
• burn out
• drain
• bust
• weary
• break
• knock out
• kill
• 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

Despite having success with long passes, South Dakota QB Modrzewski was harassed into a mostly poor night, going 12-of-27 for 243 yards, three touchdowns and two picks. — Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026

That’s too big of a variance on key plays when the top defensive lines in the country harass quarterbacks on every snap. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026

Throughout the series, Lizzie is constantly harassed and verbally abused by her stepmother, Abby Borden (Rebecca Hall), and completely rejected by her father, Andrew Borden (Charlie Hunnam). — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

The Lincoln-Way East High School board voted to allow six students accused of racially harassing students from Homewood-Flossmoor to withdraw. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026