harry

Definition of harrynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb harry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of harry are annoy, harass, pester, plague, tease, and worry. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When can annoy be used instead of harry?

The words annoy and harry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

Where would harass be a reasonable alternative to harry?

While the synonyms harass and harry are close in meaning, harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

When might pester be a better fit than harry?

The words pester and harry can be used in similar contexts, but pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

When would plague be a good substitute for harry?

The synonyms plague and harry are sometimes interchangeable, but plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When is it sensible to use tease instead of harry?

While in some cases nearly identical to harry, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

In what contexts can worry take the place of harry?

The meanings of worry and harry largely overlap; however, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

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 harry Servers in the very busy Studio Bar at cocktail hour were attentive, if harried at times, and the bartenders mix great drinks. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026 The Antonelli hype is real Norris harried Antonelli for the rest of the 57-lap race, but the reigning world champion could not force the Mercedes sophomore into a fault. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 May 2026 There is a lot of work to do, but Hurley does not sound stressed or harried as in years past. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026 She, too, was harried and didn’t devote enough time to self-care. Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for harry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harry
Verb
  • Craig was sacked three times and once UNC started keying on the run, the Horned Frogs struggled to match the Tar Heels’ physicality.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In a real game, Bryce Young would have been sacked at least a half-dozen times and probably more.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That program didn’t begin as a plan to harass civil rights leaders, anti-war organizers and journalists.
    Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Athletes and coaches say they’re being harassed by gamblers more than ever.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In the sixties, artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Peter Saul had plundered lowbrow visual culture for elemental materials.
    Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, plundering England’s lower leagues is a rich source of unique goals, from Ballard’s spectacular effort to this cheeky one from Crewe Alexandra striker Josh March in their 1-0 League Two win over Northampton on Saturday.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.
    JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, during testing, the handheld triggered nostalgic memories of playing Final Fantasy Legend and Mario Land 2 on long car rides to my grandparents' house, but without the eye strain and being scolded for playing in the dark as the sun set.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Police say the home was looted of items that included artwork, jewelry, electronics and business documents.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Russian forces have routinely looted Ukrainian cultural objects during the course of the war, which has been going on for over four years.
    News Desk, Artforum, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Sherman is known to savage, with unglamorous insensitivity, the vaunted creative directors of the great houses.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The disease savaged the American economy, set back the education of a generation of American children, inflamed political divisions, and undermined confidence in vital public health protections, including vaccination.
    David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Almost 50 homes and other structures have been destroyed so far; there have been several injuries, and one of Tibbetts’s neighbors lost 20 German shepherds.
    Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The flood then destroyed roads and knocked out power and phone networks, leaving families unable to establish even the most basic facts.
    Laura Saravia, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Houthi rebels have long been backed by Iran and reviled by Saudi Arabia.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • For a stock that just debuted a few weeks ago, it's fairly reviled.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Harry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harry. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!