as in to pick at
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders
kept pecking at their prodigal daughter to get off the couch and to start looking for a job
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peck (at)
Verb
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And Robinson, who was dogged for months by knee pain after a surgery last year, was excellent in his return to the field in both games.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
1 Apr. 2026 -
Though Kristaps Porzingis’emergence has helped alleviate the spacing crunch that has dogged the organization for years, nothing can replace the defense-bending gravity that is missing as Curry continues to rehab from runner’s knee.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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Johnson could have needled Woods about their windy Sunday stroll at Augusta in ’07, when Johnson trailed Stuart Appleby by two strokes, and Woods by one, heading into the last round in which Johnson’s 69 produced another slice of history.—
Jay Paris,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Back at the main building, Restaurant Kinsley draws both guests and locals with a seasonal New American menu featuring oysters, rigatoni, and a flourless brownie that begs for repeat orders.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
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The Blue Jays have been begging for a spark for the last six games, anything to reignite an offence and bring home a win.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In recent weeks, a growing number of business leaders in Russia have voiced concern about the sweeping restrictions and urged authorities to take a more moderate approach.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Destiny calls loudly as passionate Mars charges into your 9th House of Distance, urging you to attempt things that are literally or metaphorically far from your comfort zone.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Just listen to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks star who has been shut down since March 15 because the Bucks didn’t want his nagging injuries to worsen and affect either his trade value or his 2026-27 season.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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So don't push through that nagging feeling.—
Tiffany Aliche,
SELF,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Heat’s third matchup of the season against the Raptors didn’t go well either, as Toronto’s length on the defensive end again bothered Miami.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
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Along the way, Melton strained his left thumb — and that clearly bothered him.—
Ron Kroichick,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This disparity continues to hound a league where the majority of the players are Black, but the coaches and front office decision makers are not.—
Mac Engel
March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
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His instincts, like his techniques, are relentlessly up-to-the-minute; Orsolya is hounded by not only her guilty conscience but also the demons of social media.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Peck (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peck%20%28at%29. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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