harassment

noun

Definition of harassmentnext
as in disturbance
the act of making unwelcome intrusions upon another he owes her a lot of money, so he shouldn't be surprised at her constant harassment for a repayment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of harassment All 10 members of the court voted to extend the application of the Maria da Penha law for situations such as persecution, threats and harassment outside the home. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 The turmoil contributed to the early retirement of longtime Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen, who said years of harassment, threats and accusations stemming from false election-fraud allegations took a personal toll. — Drew Askeland, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 The suspect will likely be charged with felony terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault and reckless endangerment, police said. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 States also have laws against identity theft and criminal harassment. — Allyson Kapin, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 That same week, Woodland police announced the Safe Place program, a partnership with local businesses and organizations designed to give victims of hate crimes and harassment somewhere to seek shelter while contacting police. — Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The young staffer who alleged harassment from Benton reported the behavior to Welch’s chief of staff in April 2023. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 But many of his friends and supporters were quick to link his disintegration to law-enforcement harassment. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Sullivan has not yet decided whether the attorneys in the case engaged in bad-faith practices that amounted to harassment and needlessly drove up costs and wasted the court’s time. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harassment
  1. disturbance
  2. annoyance
  3. teasing
  4. torture
Noun
  • The incident happened last week at the Creekside community pool after police responded to a disturbance call.
    — Marissa Armas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The newest disturbance in the Atlantic moved off the coast of Africa late Tuesday.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the sound system problems that began during the Romantics set (and would actually continue during Toto’s performance) hit their height of annoyance while Cross was on the stage.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Seat switchers—passengers who ask to switch seats—also made the list as the top annoyance for 20 percent of respondents.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • The show’s first two episodes feature scenes of shadowboxing, random bouts of wrestling and friendly teasing between players and coaches in between the hustle and bustle of an NFL training camp.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Baldur is more circumspect, irked at having temporarily lost his boat in the mishap, and unsettled by Helge’s teasing manner, which could be interpreted as either adversarial or flirtatious.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of teasing
Noun
  • Take a left on the president of the Confederacy who made the torture of Black bodies the cornerstone of his new nation.
    — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, conspiracy, child abuse and torture.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of torture

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Cite this Entry

“Harassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harassment. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of harassment for Spanish Speakers

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