as in intimidating
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats
the judge warned the attorney that hectoring the witness with aggressive questioning would not be allowed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in browbeating
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 hectoring
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Sure, there's the hectoring of Federal Reserve officials, Chairman Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook, and the attempt by the president to make the central bank another appendage of the White House.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
This is subtle character work that, as described on the page, might seem hectoring or prescriptive.
—Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hectoring
Verb
-
Guided Stargazing Tours Stargazing in a new-to-you location can feel intimidating.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The molasses-like appearance can initially seem intimidating, but the sweetness and richness of flavor is truly unique.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Now he's accused the Indianapolis Democrat of bullying and threatening him.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Myran offered a history of bullying as an example.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This might take a series of browbeating prompts, but that’s not a big deal.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The onslaught of lefties, in many ways, makes more sense against these Phillies.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Swift's appearances also brought an onslaught of criticism from male fans, who were mad that her presence was distracting from the game.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Players in their 30s are established, but always a cliff threat; this is not a lifetime achievement ranking.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
But Torkelson didn’t react in time, was hung out to dry and was doubled up, ending the threat.—
Ryan Ford,
Freep.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Wall Street holds near record highs in a government-data blackout , with enough rotational energy toward left-behind groups, refreshed confidence in the AI spending frenzy, certainty of a Fed rate cut this month and speculative aggression in lower-quality longshots to keep the indexes aloft.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The Red Sox have room to pay him now that Rafael Devers' contract is off the books, but Bregman could cause a frenzy in free agency.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What began as a protest against a government social media ban quickly morphed into a broader revolt against corruption and economic stagnation.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The popularity of these names, especially in Galilee, a hotbed of revolt and messianic expectations, stemmed from their revolutionary connotations.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
See latest data on cases, variants and more The recommendations come after upheaval at the CDC, including the ouster of its former Director Susan Monarez, who had resisted changes to vaccine policy advanced by Kennedy.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
But beyond contemporary cracks, the economy may be in for an even larger period of upheaval thanks to the advent and breakneck adoption of artificial intelligence.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hectoring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hectoring. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share