Synonyms of pick at

pick at

phrase

as in peck (at)

to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders

Stop picking at your sister.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• peck (at)
• dog
• urge
• needle
• beg
• hound
• bother
• nag
• carp (at)
• annoy
• push
• fuss (about or over)
• henpeck
• badger
• prompt
• ride
• harass
• plague
• pressure
• spur
• bug
• incite
• egg
• bait
• yap (at)
• goad
• harry
• coax
• insist
• pester
• hassle
• exhort
• vex
• nitpick
• plead
• irk
• wheedle
• prod
• cajole
• chivy
• press
• importune
• blandish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliment
• recommend
• praise
• commend
• build up
• tout
• applaud
• acclaim
• laud
• extol
• eulogize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pick at

Why seasonal eating boosts nutrition Produce picked at the height of its natural season is harvested when nutrient levels are highest. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026

But Emmys night seems especially far away in our rustic setting, as Russell picks at a small charcuterie plate and Rhys tells dishy stories about his early career. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

The team opted to not sign the former second-round pick at the time — the team couldn’t afford the luxury of having four quarterbacks in camp while injury atrophied depth at other positions — but the move has now paid off. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Aug. 2026

So, naturally, the competition between the two states assumed fraught racial overtones, which is unfortunate but not surprising, given Democrats’ penchant for picking at sore spots and turning on each other at the slightest provocation. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026