Synonyms of picking at

picking at

phrase

present participle of pick at

as in pecking (at)

to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders

Stop picking at your sister.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pecking (at)
• urging
• begging
• nagging
• carping (at)
• fussing (about or over)
• bothering
• yapping (at)
• dogging
• hounding
• needling
• annoying
• pushing
• henpecking
• harassing
• badgering
• nitpicking
• riding
• prompting
• plaguing
• insisting
• spurring
• chivying
• bugging
• baiting
• pestering
• vexing
• prodding
• inciting
• pleading
• harrying
• coaxing
• exhorting
• pressuring
• egging
• goading
• hassling
• blandishing
• cajoling
• irking
• wheedling
• pressing
• importuning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• complimenting
• recommending
• building up
• praising
• commending
• touting
• extolling
• applauding
• lauding
• eulogizing
• acclaiming

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of picking at

But because baseball doesn't conduct its draft until the middle of the ensuing season, sometimes the teams picking at the top have already made impressive strides. — ABC News, 13 July 2026