heckles

verb

present tense third-person singular of heckle
as in taunts
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults the players were heckled by disappointed fans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 heckles Ferreira, in character, heckles Jonny Moseley, the 1998 Olympic gold medalist in moguls. — Sean Gregory, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heckles
  1. taunts
  2. teases
Verb
  • Cox will play the Ripper — real name Dom Frant — who no longer kills but still taunts survivors of his past crimes.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • In the final episode of the season, Max taunts Pip on her way to Stanley’s funeral as his companion, a young blonde, laughs and drinks wine.
    — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Definition of taunts
Verb
  • As the family prepares to move forward without its patriarch, the preview teases uncertainty surrounding the future of the McBee businesses.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • At times, the Swiss filmmaker teases the possibility that the conventional narrative shown thus far might break into a bold, daring twist.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 11 July 2026
Definition of teases

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Cite this Entry

“Heckles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heckles. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heckles

Nglish: Translation of heckles for Spanish Speakers

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