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Definition of houndnext
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hound

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hound distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hound are badger, bait, chivy, heckle, and hector. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

When could badger be used to replace hound?

The words badger and hound can be used in similar contexts, but badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

Where would bait be a reasonable alternative to hound?

While the synonyms bait and hound are close in meaning, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When is it sensible to use chivy instead of hound?

Although the words chivy and hound have much in common, chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

In what contexts can heckle take the place of hound?

The words heckle and hound are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

When can hector be used instead of hound?

While in some cases nearly identical to hound, hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

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 hound
Noun
Ever since her father left the fort almost a whole season ago, walking off into the darkening blue hills with both his hounds, never to return, her mother has taken to these long and aimless searches, sometimes with Brith and sometimes without. Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 On the open desert road, Racine and Anaia track the other women Man has taken up with, following their trail like hounds. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Verb
Clark, often hounded by Lecan, finished the half at 5 for 9, good for 12 points, with four assists and three turnovers. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026 It’s been customary for the New York Knicks to have a playoff series in which Brunson was hounded full court by a physical defender. Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hound
Noun
  • This cot-style find is made of breathable mesh fabric to keep your dog cool, and the steel frame features skid-resistant feet.
    Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Their dog was found alive, which gave the younger Eliezer Alfonzo hope.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Lindsay's sister Nicole (Christy Carlson Romano) seems to be the first to notice the enemies-to-lovers sparks flying, especially as Philip slips a sparkly shoe onto Lindsey's foot.
    Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • The track went viral on TikTok earlier this year, with longtime lovers of the musician remembering the hit, while younger fans may have discovered it for the first time.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Together, the band brings to life a mythic world of ancient heroes and villains, attracting an excited audience of headbangers and fantasy fanatics, many of whom show up in costume.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
  • The performance earned her the award for best villain at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • For instance, there are glazed pork belly chunks served on crispy tostones, tuna tataki with a jerk-spice rub, and a bright, citrusy conch salad.
    Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026
  • Learn how to cook lionfish ceviche, jerk chicken, and more with a group of like-minded people from all over the world, concluding with an alfresco feast—a true one-of-a-kind connection between strangers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Zach Neto added a two-out RBI single moments later to chase Bennett.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Chestnut, a 17-time champion, is chasing another Mustard Belt after reclaiming the men’s title in 2025.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Your 10th House of Career and Status receives Jupiter, urging long-range vision and public progress that grows through structure.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • City officials are urging residents to take the heat seriously.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • But Kiyoko is a sucker for a happy ending, and things tie up neater than the rest of the film might otherwise suggest.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Removing the suckers encourages better air circulation and focuses the plant’s energy on producing fruit, says Singh.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Shinnecock was still a brute of a test, but the red numbers on the white scoreboard were an unfamiliar site for this course.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • These brutes commonly exceed 50 pounds.
    Keith Sutton, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hound. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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