HENPECK Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

henpeck

verb

ˈhen-ˌpek

Definition of henpeck

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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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

Verb

In recent years, sustainable fashion conferences have been dogged by the same sense of frustration.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Hope Florida Foundation got a new board and filed tax returns, but criticisms of its efficacy still dog its leaders.

— Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of dog

Verb

But as Ohtani battled nagging pain in his left knee and a recurring problem with his right biceps, the team didn’t shut down his attempts to return to pitching until the end of August.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Managers change jobs in parallel, trading CRM nagging for exception handling.

— Devang Agrawal, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of nag

Verb

Fans have been begging Carey to free Someone’s Ugly Daughter from the archives for years, with the album currently existing only under the pseudonym Chick with Clarissa Dane on vocals instead of Mimi.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026
A couple of passing witches in distressed fish-nets aww-ed at the sight of the dog begging for the second half of his cone.

— Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of beg

Verb

The former electronic music has roots in disco, dub reggae, hip-hop—traditions in which the DJ, in search of records fresher and wilder than those in rival crates, is a central figure, urging producers to new heights of ingenuity.

— Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
Calder wrote to the State Department and successfully urged them to let in artists from Europe, such as Fernand Léger and André Masson.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of urge

Verb

In fact, the movie doesn’t even bother revealing Fang’s ultimate fate; but then again, he’s been fully vindicated in the court of public opinion, so who cares?

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Nothing shows the world that the outside noise doesn’t bother you quite like preparing a statement ahead of time about how much the outside noise doesn’t bother you.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of bother

Verb

Without Fland hounding the ball, Stetson found its offensive rhythm, shot 47% during the first half and trailed 42-40 at intermission.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Wings Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams started the Lakers’ preseason opener and the defensive-minded players flashed their potential by hounding opponents the full length of the court.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of hound

Verb

Mahan knows many of the breeders and buyers personally and isn’t afraid to needle them to keep the bidding going.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
As Polly needles her daughter, Brooke — a liberal Long Island novelist, played by Rabe, whose upcoming memoir promises to surface painful family secrets — the barbs start to draw blood.

— Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of needle

Browse Nearby Words

hen party

henpeck

henpecked

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“Henpeck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/henpeck. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of henpeck

verb

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