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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Some dogs his size might have ended up getting into some pretty major trouble trying to climb up onto the swing seat, but not Hank.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025 -
Holtz and other South Florida hospitals have long used therapy dogs to provide patients with emotional support, either by hiring handlers to bring in the furry companions or by having their own in-house therapy dogs to make more frequent rounds.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Whatever happens, Goelman urges parents not to let one challenging online incident define your teen or your parenting journey.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
22 Oct. 2025
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The service urges folks to protect tender plants from the cold.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In between bickering with Rodgers and pining for a young would-be protégé named Elizabeth, played by Margaret Qualley, Hart gossips to the bartender—Eddie, portrayed by Bobby Cannavale—and begs him for just one more pour.—
Kyle McGovern,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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The Babadook begs for a sequel, but director Jennifer Kent is mostly positive that won't happen.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2025.
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