beleaguer

verb

bi-ˈlē-gər How to pronounce beleaguer (audio)
Definition of beleaguernext
as in to besiege
to surround (as a fortified place) with armed forces for the purpose of capturing or preventing commerce and communication beleaguered the castle for months

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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 beleaguer Sybil, who spent her younger years beleaguered by the presence of her double, that emblem of feminine conformity named Désirée, never manages to perceive herself as anything but abnormal by comparison. — Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 But their chances have appeared to improve in recent weeks as the unpopular war with Iran and stubborn affordability issues have beleaguered GOP midterm ambitions. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 May 2026 The agricultural economy, beleaguered by rising productions costs and low commodity prices, is expected to be facing losses for the fourth consecutive year in 2026. — Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 27 Jan. 2026 Their involvement now raises the specter of another squeeze on energy markets already beleaguered by closures on the Strait of Hormuz and partly reliant on the Red Sea as an alternative passageway for energy supplies. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beleaguer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beleaguer
besiege
Verb
  • Boston was besieged by the Tartan Army.
    — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 28 June 2026
  • Boris Yeltsin, to everyone’s shock, had then walked through the crowd and climbed one of the Soviet tanks besieging him.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Definition of besiege

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beldams
beleaguer
beleaguered
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Cite this Entry

“Beleaguer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beleaguer. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beleaguer

Nglish: Translation of beleaguer for Spanish Speakers

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