MOLEST Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

molest

verb

Definition of molest

as in to mistreat

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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 molest According to the National Park Service, a pet running at large and molesting wildlife may be put down if necessary for public safety or wildlife protection. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 From that one girl’s story, police learned that Epstein had been molesting dozens of girls from a West Palm Beach high school. — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 The flurry of headlines about what was left out of the film—most obviously, the 1993 lawsuit that accused Jackson of molesting a 13-year-old, and subsequent lawsuits alleging similar abuse—also haven’t mattered. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026 Jackson was also charged in 2003 with molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for molest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for molest

Verb

Riddle says misdiagnosing and mistreating postpartum psychosis can have adverse effects on patients.

— Louisa Moller, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit isn’t the first to accuse Ye of mistreating a fellow musician.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of mistreat

Verb

Powerless even against the most run-of-the-mill villains, the men casually harassing her at the diner.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
The settlers, emboldened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government, have ramped up attacks on Palestinian towns and villages, harassing residents and setting homes, mosques and fields ablaze.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of harass

Verb

His hands and ability to manhandle blockers made him among the best defensive players in the West Valley League.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 31 July 2026
During this stretch, the Colts will face three AFC opponents, including the Steelers, who manhandled them last year and forced Jones to commit a career-high five turnovers in a loss.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 15 May 2026

Definition of manhandle

Verb

In 2022, two corrections officers at the Laurens County Detention Center in South Carolina were arrested and charged with brutalizing an inmate and using a GLOVE device to repeatedly stun them, CNN noted.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 12 Aug. 2026
Each competitor was giving it their all with brutalizing chops, tough suplexes and going above and beyond to try to win that championship.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of brutalize

Verb

While no civilians were injured, one firefighter was taken away for treatment of smoke inhalation and is in stable condition.

— Nathalie Marie Palacios, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
In Russian attacks elsewhere, local officials said that one person was killed and 15 people injured in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of injure

Verb

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
Bullying and assault allegations In 2018, according to court documents, while still in elementary school, Austin Metcalf and his brother were accused of bullying and assaulting a female, which led to Austin Metcalf's arrest.

— J.D. Miles, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bully

Browse Nearby Words

moles

molest

molestation

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“Molest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/molest. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of molest

verb

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