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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For families While families are welcome—and larger accommodations like the George Suite can comfortably accommodate them (dogs included)—the Chloe is best suited to solo travelers, couples and culturally curious out-of-towners drawn to design, food, music history, and a strong sense of place.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026 -
The program trains therapy dogs around the state, including Louie, an 8-year-old dog who works for the Worth Police Department.—
Suzanne Le Mignot,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Another recommendation urges the city to create a regional digital equity coalition that includes public agencies, community organizations and private partners.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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His mom repeatedly urges him to turn around as Gritty quietly sneaks up behind him.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The song is a dynamic curio and begs the question of what could have been if Ifans hadn’t left the band.—
David Harris,
SPIN,
4 May 2026
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The fresh oranges garnishing the top of this decadent layer cake top off a citrus confection that practically begs for a second slice.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
1 May 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 11 May. 2026.
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