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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Dehydration dogs their journey, and local ranchers have found their homes burglarized by travelers in search of sustenance.—
Shi En Kim,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026 -
Economists, analysts, and investors have spent the past few days sounding the alarm about stagflation, a uniquely nerve-racking scenario in which high inflation dogs a low-growth, stagnant economy.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While a watch urges vigilance and planning, a warning means immediate action is needed to stay safe and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, Mars in your sign urges you to be fast and sassy.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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White denim absolutely begs for a smart partner underneath.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2026
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But when the group threatens Noor, Salim begs.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 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
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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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Jake needles Harry about the past 50 years, but Harry can only offer scraps of history.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 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 2 Apr. 2026.
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