as in to confront
to approach and speak to (someone) often in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way
He was accosted by peddlers selling touristy trinkets on the street. She was so famous that people would accost her on the street and ask for an autograph.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of accost
The next day, Joel accosts Gail at the diner for help.
—
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 May 2025
As Milo is accosted by an amorous fan at a restaurant, the pair look stunned.
—Lisa Kennedy, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Instead of hanging 10, some surfers in Newport Beach had to cut and run after they were accosted by an aggressive sea lion.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
The victim was walking with a friend to a convenience store on Boynton Avenue and the pair was passing Starbird Park when they were accosted by three men, according to San Jose police.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 May 2025
As Milo is accosted by an amorous fan at a restaurant, the pair look stunned.
—Lisa Kennedy, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Instead of hanging 10, some surfers in Newport Beach had to cut and run after they were accosted by an aggressive sea lion.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
The victim was walking with a friend to a convenience store on Boynton Avenue and the pair was passing Starbird Park when they were accosted by three men, according to San Jose police.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accost
Verb
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Authorities said a gunman posing as a law enforcement officer is sought in the shootings and exchanged fire with officers when confronted.—
Kate Linderman,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2025
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His journey out of that, and commitment to being real in discussing it, makes for a contrast with the Michael Tait scandal now running through the Christian music world, as evidence that, yes, even Christian music stars can confront and confess their demons, before public duress demands it.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
14 June 2025
Verb
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The video shows the rescue organization slowly approaching the dog, who is now named Beans.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
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Deadly lightning strikes can occur well ahead of an approaching storm, prior to the arrival of rain and wind.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The litigation against these celebrities has encountered hurdles.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 June 2025
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Despite years of investments in analytics platforms, dashboards and data storage systems, many organizations continue to encounter the same core challenge: translating vast amounts of customer data into personalized, meaningful experiences that drive growth.—
Lalena Nau,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Accost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accost. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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