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
-
The idea that dogs graze to purge a sick stomach is one of the explanations owners reach for most.—
Niranjana Rajalakshmi,
Popular Science,
4 June 2026 -
The baby dogs will then be forced to play soccer to the death.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The website also urges those who sign up to check what time each coffee shop is open for business before visiting.—
Anne Ewbank,
Sacbee.com,
15 June 2026
-
Flake urges them to make the hard step of backing Collins as an act of principle across lines of party.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Verb
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My brothers-in-law and their spouses give their parents only limited amounts of time on holidays and limited physical assistance to their parents only if my husband begs for help.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
-
Summer practically begs for a more effortless, carefree approach to beauty.—
Rebecca Norris,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
Verb
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But in the final moments, when Carol is back in her coach seat on the plane, something nags at her.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Velvet Gang needles the outraged Christie ever so.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
-
As Thea’s former suitor, Tesman struggles to call her by her married name, a slip of the tongue that Hedda constantly needles him about.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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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 16 Jun. 2026.
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