as in to dog
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders
my doctor henpecked me into adopting a healthier lifestyle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 henpeck
Laurent Naouri was gravelly but properly pathetic as Cendrillon’s henpecked father; Ying Fang and Maya Lahyani carried off the goofy stepsisters with aplomb.
—
Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 23 Apr. 2018
He eventually is seduced by the queen, takes her as his czarina and is literally henpecked.
—John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 8 Aug. 2017
Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 23 Apr. 2018
He eventually is seduced by the queen, takes her as his czarina and is literally henpecked.
—John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 8 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for henpeck
Verb
-
The White House has been dogged by tough headlines following the collapse of a second round of peace deal negotiations with Tehran this week.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Higher electricity costs could dog incumbents Rising electricity rates stemming partially from data centers could spell trouble for the toss-up district Republicans as the politicians attempt to run on an affordability agenda against the backdrop of the Iran war.—
Caleigh Keating,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That’s likely welcome news to educators around the country battling a growing attention crisis in classrooms some attribute to constantly nagging smart electronic devices.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The milquetoast nature of the statement — with its measured language and nonexistent call to action — and the broader absence of real accountability have nagged at me for weeks.—
Uzma Rentia,
STAT,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The deck space is bliss for morning coffee moments, and the firepit is begging for s’mores.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2026
-
But, more than any of her daring work in lesser movies, the question begs, for what?—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Shortly after the ruling, Republicans were urging a review of their congressional maps in Louisiana, Tennessee and elsewhere.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
With the new dietary guidelines urging a boost in daily protein, especially red meat, high-fiber foods might get left behind.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After a frustrating conversation with a hotel staffer about the air conditioning, a hot and bothered Fuller threw on a ball cap, turned it backward and recorded a rant on his cellphone.—
Tia Mitchell,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
-
Nine months after Varland was traded, Twins fans are still bothered the hometown kid isn’t clicking for them instead, especially given recent results from Minnesota’s bullpen.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy botched an uncontested breakout pass, and Tage Thompson hounded Fraser Minten to force a turnover.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The team has been rocked by a rash of red cards and hounded by both injuries and inconsistent play.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Yang was critical of TKO’s handling of the Las Vegas event, which took place last week at Allegiant Stadium for the second straight year and needled the company over the recent wave of WWE departures.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
-
After injectable GLP-1s soared in popularity in recent years, the introduction of oral versions is seen as a way to expand the market to needle-adverse patients.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Henpeck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/henpeck. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
