hectored 1 of 2

adjective

as in cowed

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hectored

2 of 2

verb

past tense of hector
as in intimidated
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats the judge warned the attorney that hectoring the witness with aggressive questioning would not be allowed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hectored
Verb
At school, he was hectored because of his shabby wardrobe. — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 23 June 2026 For over a century, citizens have been surveilled while the media is harassed and hectored into compromise, so that the official rhetoric of Slavic suprematism can go unchallenged. — Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 Jason Sudeikis, Robert Smigel, and George Wendt hectored Kelce to (1) make Taylor pony up for a new stadium and (2) propose already. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hectored
  1. intimidated
  2. bullied
  3. browbeaten
  4. frightened
  5. oppressed
  6. crushed
  7. downtrodden
Adjective
  • The biggest hurdle, though, is simply believing the Elle Woods who learns to prove her doubters wrong at 16 would be so intimidated when faced with doing it again at 22.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 June 2026
  • In traditional settings, people often feel rushed, intimidated, and unseen.
    — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Definition of intimidated
Verb
  • View this post on Instagram Priscilla Villanueva said her son, Dakota Cabrera, has been bullied for wearing his hair in a braid, but seeing Pete do the same gives him hope.
    — Marissa Armas, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has all but severed America’s system of alliances, mocked and bullied Ukraine’s president, and showered praise upon Kim Jong Un.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of bullied
Adjective
  • Audiences who endured the Miramax era have been browbeaten to believe that the best picture Oscar should go to a period piece that chokes out a sob from audiences.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Not to the extent that the user is necessarily being browbeaten.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Definition of browbeaten
Verb
  • The aggressive approach deeply disrupted and frightened the participants.
    — Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • If your child is frightened of needles, another option is nasal spray.
    — Eva Flowe August 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • Ella is a young woman cursed to obey all instructions whose quest for self-determination also turns her into an advocate for the kingdom’s oppressed elves and ogres.
    — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Bellucci plays Giulio’s mother in an aristocratic Sicilian family that leaves her feeling oppressed.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of oppressed
Adjective
  • The other roughly 95% is a crushed powder that is called tailings.
    — Erin Hassanzadeh, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For dessert, try serrasura, made from cream and crushed biscuits.
    — Ann Lee, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of crushed
Adjective
  • In the end, a downtrodden Sporting side came close to picking up an upset win but settled for a 1-1 draw.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Just as iconic is the song’s inclusion in the classic 2003 comedy Old School, starring Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson, and Vince Vaughn as three downtrodden thirtysomethings who start their own fraternity.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Definition of downtrodden

Browse Nearby Words

hector
hectored
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Cite this Entry

“Hectored.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hectored. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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