henpeck

verb

ˈhen-ˌpek How to pronounce henpeck (audio)
Definition of henpecknext
as in to dog
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders my doctor henpecked me into adopting a healthier lifestyle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 henpeck Laurent Naouri was gravelly but properly pathetic as Cendrillon’s henpecked father; Ying Fang and Maya Lahyani carried off the goofy stepsisters with aplomb. — Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 23 Apr. 2018 He eventually is seduced by the queen, takes her as his czarina and is literally henpecked. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 8 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for henpeck
  1. dog
  2. nag
  3. beg
  4. urge
  5. bother
  6. hound
  7. needle
Verb
  • But in recent years it has been dogged by questions about its culture, approach to complaints handling, and use of non-disclosure agreements.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The moves come as 311 has received nearly 3,000 complaints related to dog waste citywide so far this year, including a significant spike after the lengthy, lingering snow pileups this winter.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of dog
Verb
  • And that was probably one of the things that nagged at him along that trip.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • To my amazement, within a few weeks, Elizabeth had gotten into the habit of asking nicely instead of nagging.
    — Debby Waldman, Parents, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of nag
Verb
  • The warm waffle can be filled with matcha, strawberry soft serve or a swirl of both, then dressed up Pocky sticks for a dessert that practically begs for a photo before the first bite.
    — Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2026
  • That's because when the stakes are high, and the actors begin to cry, the serious tone begs to be subverted by a humorous caption.
    — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of beg
Verb
  • Experts urge parents to listen to pediatricians, who have the best interests of their kids at heart.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Western nations are urged to collaborate to maintain market diversity and counter Beijing's influence.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of urge
Verb
  • The one issue that is bothering me at or just before launch is the CPU's Wear and Tear management.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of bother
Verb
  • McDonnell’s personal circle was also hounding her for repayment.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The reporting has been gratuitous and inhumane, no one deserves this hounding.
    — Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hound
Verb
  • McDaniel needles the other side of the ball too, James said, warning defenders to be ready for a deep pass before hitting them with a quick out.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • Drummer Jay Russell kept to stark rattles, Sam Shipstone patched in his scratchy electric guitar, and Ryan Needham needled through grumbling basslines.
    — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Definition of needle

Browse Nearby Words

hen party
henpeck
henpecked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Henpeck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/henpeck. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of henpeck for Spanish Speakers

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