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
  • Although corruption has long dogged some of Brazil’s most ambitious foreign policy projects, recent public scandals have dealt a blow to the country’s reputation.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The investigation is dogged by unanswered questions, such as how many people are believed to have taken part in her abduction and whether she was taken by someone who knew her.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of dog
Verb
  • Managers change jobs in parallel, trading CRM nagging for exception handling.
    — Devang Agrawal, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Turns out, Shakespeare didn’t have to decide, because the story works equally well whether the reader believes the figure is ectoplasm in the castle courtyard or is a psychological manifestation of Hamlet’s nagging conscience.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of nag
Verb
  • Therein, a young woman sits on her dead lover’s grave for a year, begging to see him again.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • With Blauvelt's killer still on the loose, her family begged for answers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of beg
Verb
  • The group’s president and CEO, Steve Lamar, said the AAFA is urging stronger action against platforms that enable the trade of dupes and fakes, which can be dangerous to consumers as the illicit goods are produced through unregulated operations.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Police urged anyone who sees Poindexter to call law enforcement and not attempt to approach him.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of urge
Verb
  • Palo Alto Networks did that after buying [Israeli startup] CyberArk, but why would most companies bother?
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That woman was truly unbothered, a term tossed around online, but the literal act of not being bothered is impossible for most people beyond the quirkiest, like my onetime neighbor, or maybe Fran Lebowitz.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of bother
Verb
  • 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
  • Miami doesn’t have Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb, two proven, established pass rushers, to hound the opposition’s quarterback.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of hound
Verb
  • Like families since time immemorial, the Hollingsworths are prone to needling each other about their love lives or grousing about their parents.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • And the South Korean firm didn’t wait long to needle its biggest rival.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of needle

Browse Nearby Words

hen party
henpeck
henpecked
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Cite this Entry

“Henpeck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/henpeck. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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