pecked (at)

verb

past tense of peck (at)
as in picked 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 pecked (at)
  1. urged
  2. begged
Verb
  • Lawmakers and advocates urged assemblymembers Monday to pass a bill that would formalize data collection for frontotemporal degeneration.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As International Allyship Day approaches, organizations are urged to embed inclusion as a continuous cultural heartbeat, moving beyond performative gestures.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of urged
Verb
  • Still, Harbaugh was encouraged that at the end of Thursday’s marathon practice, his players actually begged him for one extra play in the red zone.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Trump voiced frustration at Iran’s public posturing, suggesting the country’s leaders begged for the discussions, despite their claims of only wanting to deal with Oman.
    — Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of begged
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.

Browse Nearby Words

pecked
pecked (at)
pecker
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Cite this Entry

“Pecked (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pecked%20%28at%29. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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