hassle 1 of 2

noun

ˈha-səl How to pronounce hassle (audio)
Definition of hasslenext
1
as in encounter
a brief clash between enemies or rivals the best way to avoid hassles with those aggressive panhandlers is to ignore them

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2
as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups the moment the police arrived, the hassle broke up, and no one was seriously injured

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions had a huge hassle with an airline representative before she got her ticket refunded

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4
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation it's a hassle to find a parking space downtown

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hassle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to taunt
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults a small group of jeering protesters hassled the politically active singer at every appearance she made

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2
as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily constantly hassled with the chef over the need to cook pork thoroughly

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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 hassle
Noun
The quick-release dual-latch extension bar design with powerful magnets holds screwdriver bits firmly for quick hassle-free disassembly and extended reach. — Shirl Leigh july 20, New Atlas, 20 July 2026 Auto-Dispense Bottles Professional cleaners are always moving fast and juggling a lot, which is why Wilson considers these more of a hassle than a help. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Verb
Karl is there to hassle her about taking the Boise deal, and Paula stands firm. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 29 May 2026 Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, skateboarding was a counterculture sport; enthusiasts hassled in streets and parking lots with few safe places to shred. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hassle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hassle
  1. encounter
  2. clash
  3. dispute
  4. headache
  5. taunt
  6. bicker
  7. skirmish
  8. controversy
Noun
  • Private cultural experiences, exclusive access, seasonal culinary events, and authentic local encounters become easier to arrange, allowing travelers to experience destinations in ways that feel both effortless and deeply personal.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
  • During one particularly violent encounter in June 2024, China Coast Guard personnel brandished axes at Philippine troops and slashed their rubber boats.
    — Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • Cope & Christian Cage retained and immediately set up a clash with the Young Bucks at All In.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • But any hope Piastri had of staying in contention against Norris was extinguished in his bizarre clash with Carlos Sainz, the Williams driver Piastri was coming up to lap a few laps after his second stop.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of clash
Noun
  • Jeffrey Baldwin, who founded an advocacy group after fighting his own foreclosure battle, argued a complaint system without enforcement powers would do little to help homeowners facing disputes.
    — Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
  • McDonald, though, said national leaders have warned that barring transgender members would open the DAR up to having its tax-exempt status revoked, which McDonald disputes.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • The fever and the less intense strain often presents as a headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
  • For some its allergies or other upper respiratory issues; for others too much of an aroma causes a headache or worse.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 July 2026
Definition of headache
Verb
  • Pfister taunted them as his wife ridiculed them for trying to cover their windows.
    — Kyung Lah, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Cooper also testified that members of the attacking group taunted Drakeo during the confrontation.
    — Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of taunt
Verb
  • After bickering with Percy over her involvement in the mission, Thalia ultimately drives away from the scene.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
  • Establishment figures such as Jeffries and the party’s 2028 presidential candidates will need to grasp that the relationship between the DSA and the Democratic Party is not one of occasionally bickering siblings, but of parasite and host.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Definition of bicker
Noun
  • Pantani had targeted this stage from the start of the Tour and his Mercatone Uno team helped set the pace as the peloton made their way from Saint-Étienne to the foot of the Alpe but even once there Pantani bided his time in the early skirmishes.
    — Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Tensions were also exacerbated by frequent, and often violent, skirmishes between Chinese and Indian troops along the border.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
Definition of skirmish
Noun
  • Opera Carolina has another new leader heading into its 77th season, as one of the oldest arts groups in Charlotte attempts to stabilize itself following two years of executive turnover and internal controversy.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • For the institution, the calculation is whether keeping the remote possibility of reinstatement alive is worth keeping the controversy alive as well.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of controversy

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Cite this Entry

“Hassle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hassle. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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