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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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
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
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The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has led the European opposition to the Iran war, but his tenure has been dogged by a string of scandals.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
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But its relative youth and iconic mascot have not shielded the brand from many of the same issues dogging the company’s older brands, such as Maxwell House and Philadelphia.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Keeping on top of that is like constantly nagging your kids at home to tidy their room.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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That’s likely welcome news to educators around the country battling a growing attention crisis in classrooms some attribute to constantly nagging smart electronic devices.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Adonis yells as Gillis begs him to pull over.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
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Beyond a few days with warmer temperatures, the real sign that spring has arrived is when my nose starts to run, my throat begins to itch, and my eyes are begging for eye drops every morning.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Citing statements from jurors and a county clerk who aided Hill, Murdaugh's lawyers say Hill urged jurors not to be confused by Murdaugh's defense tactics and to watch his body language — and that she was motivated by plans to publish a book about the case.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
13 May 2026
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Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images India, the world's second-largest gold consumer, has raised import duties on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to curb bullion purchases for a year as overseas purchases pressure the rupee.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Now the dog is back to bothering her brother and showing off her sassy personality.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
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This is a nakedly partisan power grab, and state officials haven’t really bothered to deny it.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Nobody wants to be hounded — that part is true.—
Nathan Green,
Rolling Stone,
18 May 2026
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Jackson LaCombe hounded him from behind, even raising his stick between Marner’s legs at one point.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Pratt has continued to needle Bass over her response to the wildfires.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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After injectable GLP-1s soared in popularity in recent years, the introduction of oral versions is seen as a way to expand the market to needle-adverse patients.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Henpeck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/henpeck. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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