Thesaurus results for BADGER

Q: How is the word 'badger' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of badger are bait , chivy , heckle , hector , and hound . While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy. // badgered her father for a car

Q: When could 'bait' be used to replace 'badger'?

The words bait and badger are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim. // baited the chained dog

Q: When might 'chivy' be a better fit than 'badger'?

The words chivy and badger can be used in similar contexts, but chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging. // chivied the new student mercilessly

Q: When is it sensible to use 'heckle' instead of 'badger'?

The synonyms heckle and badger are sometimes interchangeable, but heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker. // drunks heckled the stand-up comic

Q: In what contexts can 'hector' take the place of 'badger'?

Although the words hector and badger have much in common, hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering. // football players hectored by their coach

Q: When would 'hound' be a good substitute for 'badger'?

The meanings of hound and badger largely overlap; however, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing. // hounded by creditors

badger 1 of 2

verb

Definition of badger next

as in to tease

to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders He's always badgering me about the dishes.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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badger

2 of 2

noun

as in rabbit

the pelt or fur of a badger The boutique features a variety of scarfs, including badger, fox, and ermine.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word badger distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of badger are bait, chivy, heckle, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When could bait be used to replace badger?

The words bait and badger are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When might chivy be a better fit than badger?

The words chivy and badger can be used in similar contexts, but chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is it sensible to use heckle instead of badger?

The synonyms heckle and badger are sometimes interchangeable, but heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

In what contexts can hector take the place of badger?

Although the words hector and badger have much in common, hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

When would hound be a good substitute for badger?

The meanings of hound and badger largely overlap; however, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

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 badger

Verb

When Tennessee’s lawyer attempted to explain that the state has similar rules in its regulation of medicines, Jackson badgered him to stop. —

The Editors, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024 During his first term, Trump repeatedly badgered Powell and the Fed for hiking interest rates or not cutting them. —

Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 7 Nov. 2024

Noun

Undeterred, the badger returned a short time later, still stuck with quills but determined to get its meal. —

Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 But the honeyguide bird is an exception that actually calls to the badgers, despite the potential danger of predation. —

Scott Travers, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for badger

Recent Examples of Synonyms for badger

Verb

On Saturday night, Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant teased an appearance in the dunk contest while also challenging high flyers and stars Nuggets' Aaron Gordon and Kings' Zach LaVine.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
Leighton, who played Sydney Andrews in the show, also teased what viewers could expect from the new series.

— Erin Clack, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025