hassle 1 of 2

noun

ˈha-səl How to pronounce hassle (audio)
Definition of hasslenext
1
as in encounter
a brief clash between enemies or rivals the best way to avoid hassles with those aggressive panhandlers is to ignore them

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2
as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups the moment the police arrived, the hassle broke up, and no one was seriously injured

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions had a huge hassle with an airline representative before she got her ticket refunded

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4
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation it's a hassle to find a parking space downtown

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hassle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to taunt
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults a small group of jeering protesters hassled the politically active singer at every appearance she made

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2
as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily constantly hassled with the chef over the need to cook pork thoroughly

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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 hassle
Noun
Note, too, that there’s a decent restaurant serving a modern Mediterranean menu for those who don’t want the hassle of heading into town. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 It's created the first-of-its-kind decaf espresso liqueur, bringing the classic flavor of the espresso martini to your bar cart without any extra hassle. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026
Verb
But this was not a completely passive defensive performance from Bubista’s men, looking to spring out of midfield and hassle the ball up the pitch whenever the opportunity arose. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 22 June 2026 Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, skateboarding was a counterculture sport; enthusiasts hassled in streets and parking lots with few safe places to shred. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hassle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hassle
  1. encounter
  2. clash
  3. dispute
  4. headache
  5. taunt
  6. bicker
  7. skirmish
  8. controversy
Noun
  • The encounter began when Todd and Elvia Malcolm spotted a female moose near the edge of the woods in Telos Township, Maine, and pulled over hoping to snap a photo.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • After learning that her friend Shannon’s mother has died in a car accident, Elle is suddenly facing her first real encounter with grief and, unable to sit with it, throws herself into planning the memorial, down to selecting the music.
    — Angelina Mazza, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • With Brazil’s upcoming clash with Norway providing another physical challenge in the blistering New Jersey heat, is Casemiro a help or hindrance to his team?
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Your 3rd House of Communication tightens as the vibrant Sun activates it and clashes with restrictive Saturn in your 12th House of Solitude.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
Definition of clash
Noun
  • Herzog won a power struggle in the front office, then quit anyway, amid disputes with ownership.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The court was established in 2001 and began functioning four years later as both an international court to settle disputes among Caribbean countries and as a final court of appeal.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
    — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of headache
Verb
  • Steak 'n Shake announced its month-long Liberty Meal deal to celebrate America's 250th birthday — and used the occasion to taunt a competitor.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the Chicago area, officials said three men captured a victim and shot him multiple times in the head and allegedly taunted his mother.
    — Luke Barr, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of taunt
Verb
  • Several weeks back, Clark and White were caught bickering during a timeout huddle against the expansion Portland Fire.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
  • The plot centers on bickering couple Joe and Angela, who invite their noisy upstairs neighbors, Hawk and Piña, for dinner.
    — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of bicker
Noun
  • The skirmishes date back to shortly after Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City in July 2022.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s point toward Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner amid a heated skirmish during their game has gone mega viral.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of skirmish
Noun
  • Test your knowledge of cruise controversies, wedding whispers and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of controversy

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Cite this Entry

“Hassle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hassle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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