harry

Definition of harrynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb harry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harry are annoy, harass, pester, plague, tease, and worry. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When can annoy be used instead of harry?

The words annoy and harry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

Where would harass be a reasonable alternative to harry?

While the synonyms harass and harry are close in meaning, harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

When might pester be a better fit than harry?

The words pester and harry can be used in similar contexts, but pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

When would plague be a good substitute for harry?

The synonyms plague and harry are sometimes interchangeable, but plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When is it sensible to use tease instead of harry?

While in some cases nearly identical to harry, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

In what contexts can worry take the place of harry?

The meanings of worry and harry largely overlap; however, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

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 harry Servers in the very busy Studio Bar at cocktail hour were attentive, if harried at times, and the bartenders mix great drinks. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026 The Antonelli hype is real Norris harried Antonelli for the rest of the 57-lap race, but the reigning world champion could not force the Mercedes sophomore into a fault. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 May 2026 There is a lot of work to do, but Hurley does not sound stressed or harried as in years past. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026 She, too, was harried and didn’t devote enough time to self-care. Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for harry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harry
Verb
  • Later, on third-and-6 from the 50 with 10 seconds left, Ewers was sacked by Cameron Goode.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Ewers was sacked by Ojabo, completed a dig to Coleman after the whistle was blown.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Although China’s maritime militia fleet regularly harasses other countries’ small and vulnerable fishing boats, the container ships and bulk carriers responsible for Taiwan’s commerce dwarf any Chinese militia vessel.
    Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The order would limit Miller’s ability to contact her attorneys, with Moreno saying in the filing that her ex-husband harassed, grabbed and insulted them.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In vivid strokes of saffron orange and seafoam green watercolors, Wilson rendered a vibrant portrait of herself plundering birthday cake by the handful as party guests languished around the frame.
    Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
  • As long as the contents of a container have not been plundered outright, they can even be delivered to the recipient after an accident, albeit with some delay.
    Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Continue reading … VANITY TOUR — Critics scold Anthony Fauci diary entries that reveal fixation on fame, press coverage.
    , FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • When a group of participants began looting, violence erupted as police attacked with tear gas and shot and killed a 16 year-old amid hundreds of arrests.
    Laura French, TheWeek, 28 July 2026
  • Brisas de Maiquetía has not been spared from looting, a problem affecting all of La Guaira.
    Julimar Valentina Rivas Perez, NBC news, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • The disease savaged the American economy, set back the education of a generation of American children, inflamed political divisions, and undermined confidence in vital public health protections, including vaccination.
    David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026
  • The show has certainly savaged Democrats at times, but its progressive loyalties have only grown clearer over the years.
    Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Spider-Man teams up with Jon Bernthal’s Punisher to take down the green giant and stop the him from destroying the Damage Control skyscraper entirely.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • An official for Green Diamond Resources similarly said her company has no intention of destroying the bird’s habitat.
    Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The Houthi rebels have long been backed by Iran and reviled by Saudi Arabia.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • For a stock that just debuted a few weeks ago, it's fairly reviled.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Harry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harry. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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