heckle

verb

ˈhe-kəl How to pronounce heckle (audio)
Definition of hecklenext
as in to taunt
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults the players were heckled by disappointed fans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word heckle distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of heckle are badger, bait, chivy, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

Where would badger be a reasonable alternative to heckle?

The meanings of badger and heckle largely overlap; however, badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When might bait be a better fit than heckle?

While in some cases nearly identical to heckle, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When can chivy be used instead of heckle?

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

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is hector a more appropriate choice than heckle?

The synonyms hector and heckle are sometimes interchangeable, but hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

When would hound be a good substitute for heckle?

Although the words hound and heckle have much in common, 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 heckle He was even heckled at different points about the war. —Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 The winger was heckled again on the final day of the 2007-08 season against Aston Villa. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Electronics aside, yelling, heckling and the use of profanity are also direct violations of gallery etiquette and could result in removal from the event. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 Draymond Green, while being consistently heckled by the rowdy Hawks fans, scored 13 and had four assists. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heckle
  1. taunt
  2. tease
  3. mock
Verb
  • For a brief moment, there was a new 48-hour countdown taunting us on Taylor Swift’s website.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • Newsom taunts Trump with multiple jabs as Florida redistricting fight ramps up.
    — , FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of taunt
Verb
  • As a new filmmaker offering a new take on Leatherface more than 50 years after the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Curry Barker recently teased his plans for the reboot.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 May 2026
  • In an interview for Rolling Stone’s Future of Music series, the trio teased their evolving sound.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
Definition of tease
Verb
  • The two men embraced and spoke after Ross’ performance — a scene Hart mocked by implying Ross was kissing up to the GOAT.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In the sketch, Sherman wore oversized fake teeth and mocked Wood’s Manchester accent in a line about removing fluoride from water and eating monkeys.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of mock

Browse Nearby Words

heck
heckle
heckled
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Cite this Entry

“Heckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heckle. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heckle

Nglish: Translation of heckle for Spanish Speakers

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