MOLEST Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

molest

verb

Definition of molest

as in to mistreat

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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 molest According to the National Park Service, a pet running at large and molesting wildlife may be put down if necessary for public safety or wildlife protection. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 From that one girl’s story, police learned that Epstein had been molesting dozens of girls from a West Palm Beach high school. — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 The flurry of headlines about what was left out of the film—most obviously, the 1993 lawsuit that accused Jackson of molesting a 13-year-old, and subsequent lawsuits alleging similar abuse—also haven’t mattered. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026 Jackson was also charged in 2003 with molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for molest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for molest

Verb

In June, Hilton returned to the Provo Canyon School to support two families who filed lawsuits alleging that their children were mistreated at the school.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
This is not the only group of women who’ve been mistreated and not listened to.

— Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of mistreat

Verb

At the time, Abarca’s wife was granted an order of protection, which Abarca was charged with violating in 2025.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Over the next few years, he was charged with multiple counts of disorderly conduct, trespassing and violating probation.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of violate

Verb

In 2023, he was found napping across a Hobart driveway for hours, blocking a local woman from getting to work, and was relocated after people and dogs began harassing him at another beach.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Today is reviewing the studio’s security measures after an intruder broke in on Thursday and reportedly harassed co-host Craig Melvin.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026

Definition of harass

Verb

During this stretch, the Colts will face three AFC opponents, including the Steelers, who manhandled them last year and forced Jones to commit a career-high five turnovers in a loss.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Those ramped up after Ottawa was completely manhandled by the Canes, and never held the lead at any point in the series.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of manhandle

Verb

Each competitor was giving it their all with brutalizing chops, tough suplexes and going above and beyond to try to win that championship.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026
The same curriculum includes Prophet Muhammed’s history of brutalizing Christians and Jewish people — a framing that Muslim families and interfaith advocates found issue with in public comment.

— Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Definition of brutalize

Verb

Parents lodged complaints about coaches, at least one athlete claimed they were being bullied and harassed by a teammate, and rival programs raised concerns about the team’s behavior in competitions.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
For a long time, our leading hypothesis was bullying and violence, but that may be a bit impractical, given their kingdoms are vast networks of tunnels that can stretch for up to three kilometers.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

Definition of bully

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moles

molest

molestation

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“Molest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/molest. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of molest

verb

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