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

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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

The duo are forced on the run across Europe, dogged by their past, and successfully get themselves out of danger.

— Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
The players were nicknamed the Black Sox by the press, a name that would dog them.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026

Definition of dog

Verb

The question nagged at me for months; no single explanation—psychological, political, or otherwise—felt completely satisfying.

— Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
His advice for a session is to chase whatever task is nagging at you, but resist the temptation to sneak in actual work.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

Definition of nag

Verb

The hardest part, however, is to ignore the part that’s right in front of your face, begging you to pay attention to it at the expense of everything else.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Most resort to begging, performing on the streets, doing manual labor for low pay, scavenging for scraps, or selling drugs.

— Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026

Definition of beg

Verb

Leipzig had locker room issues a few years ago, when a few players were regarded as not pulling their weight — and Schlager was one of the senior figures who challenged them and urged them to improve their mentality.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Fashion stylist Charmine Asseng advocates for viewing color as storytelling, urging individuals to build looks around a dominant shade, with supporting hues creating harmony.

— Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of urge

Verb

While playing for club Real Madrid in Spain during the 2025-26 season, Mbappé was hounded by monkey chants in a match against Real Oviedo, which led to a fan being detained.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
In the past, Harry has openly blamed the press for hounding his late mother, Princess Diana, before and after her death and more recently his wife, Meghan.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of hound

Verb

Paint to paper, needle to thread—like couture, fashion illustration is a discipline of the hand.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Lestat wants Molloy to tell his side of the story, but Lestat also can’t bear to open up, spending more time needling Molloy than actually engaging with his questions.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 June 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of henpeck

verb

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