hectors 1 of 2

noun

plural of hector
as in enemies
a person who teases, threatens, or hurts smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable persons law penalizing debt collection agencies that operate like hectors

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hectors

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hector
as in intimidates
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

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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 hectors
Noun
Larry David, in character, hectors at the Wright brothers in the trailer for his new HBO Max series. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2026 At the slightest provocation, Ye bullies, hectors, and screams at everyone from Paris fashion-show lackeys to the mother of his child. — Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hectors
  1. enemies
  2. intimidates
  3. bullies
  4. cows
  5. intimidators
  6. thugs
Noun
  • In addition to mandating short hair, Rome also forbade clothing made with animal skins, even for enslaved people—another fashion associated with Germanic enemies.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026
  • Adapting James Clavell’s bestselling novel, Shōgun‘s first season watched as Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Sanada) fought for his survival as his enemies in the Council of Regents united against him.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of enemies
Verb
  • Opponents say the ambiguous law only intimidates people from using the flag in art, protests or other forms of expression, and could violate constitutional freedom of speech.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
  • Any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates or interferes with airline crew members can lead to penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, according to the FAA.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
Definition of intimidates
Noun
  • In a fit of rage a couple of nights later, Kimmel grabbed his father’s handgun, found the truck of bullies responsible, and blocked them in.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Just quash that bill and stop playing with the bullies on the playground.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026
Definition of bullies
Verb
  • With their long and crescent-shaped horns, the Inyambo cows graze at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and at the homes of some of Rwanda's richest people, including President Paul Kagame.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • The notion of cow tipping is based on the idea that cows sleep standing up.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of cows
Noun
  • All the while, Sarah is being hunted by corporate intimidators Dawson (Sam Worthington) and Rosetti (Willa Fitzgerald), who want to ensure her silence.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Definition of intimidators
Noun
  • In the big screen take of Clayface, Hagen is a matinee idol on the rise, but his face gets slashed by thugs.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 23 July 2026
  • Threatening to limit mail-in voting, adding ridiculous ID requirements, or staging thugs at polling places are other possible ways to convince you to stay home.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026
Definition of thugs

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hectoring
hectors
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Cite this Entry

“Hectors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hectors. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of hectors for Spanish Speakers

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