heckle

Synonym Chooser

How is the word heckle distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of heckle are badger, bait, chivy, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

Where would badger be a reasonable alternative to heckle?

The meanings of badger and heckle largely overlap; however, badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When might bait be a better fit than heckle?

While in some cases nearly identical to heckle, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When can chivy be used instead of heckle?

The words chivy and heckle can be used in similar contexts, but chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is hector a more appropriate choice than heckle?

The synonyms hector and heckle are sometimes interchangeable, but hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

When would hound be a good substitute for heckle?

Although the words hound and heckle have much in common, 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 heckle These are not necessarily the fans most apt to slam Franklin on message boards after another close loss to Ohio State or heckle him from the stands at Beaver Stadium. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 In April, a Cleveland Guardians fan was ejected after heckling Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, who had just recently opened up about a past suicide attempt. Sean Neumann, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025 She got heckled at the premiere. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 5 Aug. 2025 The audience was heckling Flood throughout his answer, then erupted in a crescendo of boos at his conclusion. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heckle
Verb
  • The user who tweeted the video, @SMHIghlights1, taunted Sanders for wanting the starting quarterback job because Cleveland lost, and instead of joining in on the mockery, several fans in the comment section actually applauded Sanders for being a good teammate.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to Carter’s disqualification, Nolan Smith was flagged for taunting and roughing the quarterback.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Speaking on a panel, Erik from Sharabati Denim teased an upcoming project that will re-wire how the company procures cotton.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The game doesn’t yet have a firm release date, with only a vague 2026 window teasing its launch on PlayStation 5 and PC.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lopez noted and mocked Johnson’s comments, sarcastically asking why the mayor didn’t blame it on other historic phenomena.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • For Gen Z, shaped by a hyper-online upbringing where missteps are often amplified and mocked, being obviously earnest can feel risky.
    Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Heckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heckle. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on heckle

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