as in picks 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 pecks (at)
Verb
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According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, dogs that suddenly bolt are often acting on instinct rather than misbehaving.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025 -
There are also disease detection dogs that sniff out cancers, diabetes and other medical conditions through human breath, sweat and urine samples.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Lifting the controller and swinging it swiftly down hammers steel at Atsu’s family forge, gently pulling the trigger urges a campfire’s tendrils higher, while tilting it this way and that lowers mushrooms further into that fire for cooking.—
Alyssa Mercante,
Rolling Stone,
25 Sep. 2025
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With plenty of vendors outside the food and drink realm, Leland urges locals to swing by and check out all the festival has to offer.—
Madison Beveridge,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This ceramic cookie jar shaped like a Christmas tree or gingerbread house instantly transports us back to Grandma’s house around the holidays, with colorful, nostalgic charm that just begs to sit on your countertop.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
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Martin’s limited series — which begs for a second season — highlights why coercion and control are typically ineffective remedies for adolescent rebellion.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pecks (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pecks%20%28at%29. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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