hound 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

hound

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hound distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hound are badger, bait, chivy, heckle, and hector. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

When could badger be used to replace hound?

The words badger and hound can be used in similar contexts, but badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

Where would bait be a reasonable alternative to hound?

While the synonyms bait and hound are close in meaning, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When is it sensible to use chivy instead of hound?

Although the words chivy and hound have much in common, chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

In what contexts can heckle take the place of hound?

The words heckle and hound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

When can hector be used instead of hound?

While in some cases nearly identical to hound, hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

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 hound
Noun
Don't worry, powder hounds and ski bunnies—there's a retirement destination here for you, too. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025 Staff attempted to track the bear with a bear hound dog but have not yet found the animal. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
Vavassori hounds the net with his teradactyl-like wingspan. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 The Vikings defense hounded Maye, a veteran unit that ranked second in takeaways last year and confounded veteran quarterbacks with its exotic pressure packages. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hound
Noun
  • Nationally, the most common dog breed is the Labrador retriever, but Arizona has a different favorite.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This double-wide camp chair is quilted and comfortable, with durable 600D polyester fabric that holds up to weather, spills, and even a slobbery dog (or two) climbing aboard.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Monteverde’s cloud forest is a haven for nature lovers, with canopy walks and wildlife encounters that will delight young and old alike.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Last March, Mariah The Scientist allegedly came to blows with Young Thug’s former lover, Cleopatra Dues, at an Atlanta lounge.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Vineland’s repressive villain Brock Vond ends ferried to hell by two Eastside vatos locos, while the hippie father Zoyd reunites with his daughter at an anarchist family picnic.
    John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
  • There are villains in every episode and the story uses them to showcase some societal issues.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Senegal’s Lamine Camara is the type of midfielder that would help many a Champions League-chasing team.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Five teams are chasing a postseason berth.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Stander and colleagues have been leading the effort and were previously urged by Florida state officials to try it.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Jang Dong-hyeok, chair of the main opposition People Power Party in Korea, urged President Lee on Saturday to take swift action, citing broader repercussions to other Korean businesses.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cephalopods’ soft bodies sprout arms and bloom with suckers at these same splits.
    Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Unfortunately, Americans have proved themselves to be suckers for packaging that conveys a food’s healthiness, Bragg said.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Mihály is a brute who mistreats his mother.
    Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Some are slow and heavy brutes that have tons of health while others are slightly but deal more damage.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Cianfrance supplies a real jerk of a manager in Peter Dinklage’s Mitch, on whom Jeffrey spies by setting up baby monitors in the back office.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Imagine smoky jerk chicken cooked to perfection on an open-flame at a roadside shack, beckoning you to stop by for a mouthwatering bite.
    Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hound. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hound

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!