HASSLE Synonyms: 232 Similar and Opposite Words

hassle 1 of 2

noun

ˈha-səl

Definition of hassle

as in encounter

a brief clash between enemies or rivals the best way to avoid hassles with those aggressive panhandlers is to ignore them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truce

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in headache

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hassle

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to bicker

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Membership is curated for genuine automotive passion, not just wealth, allowing members to truly unleash their high-performance vehicles and refine their skills without administrative hassle. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 There are a lot of great things about New York, but getting there and navigating will always be a hassle. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Karl is there to hassle her about taking the Boise deal, and Paula stands firm. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 29 May 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

Noun

The bizarre encounter prompted Edelman to share a warning about rabies and what people should do after possible contact with a bat.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
On August 31 an encounter between miners and Chafin’s deputies resulted in gunfire, and the Battle of Blair Mountain began.

— Katie Angell Britannica Editors Aug. 27, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of encounter

Noun

Assertive Mars clashes with your ruler Saturn, highlighting tension around your home, family, or the amount of emotional labor each person carries.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
The clash between Ossoff and Piker comes as members of the Jewish community in Atlanta have criticized the Jewish Democrat, largely over his votes to block certain arms sales to Israel.

— Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of clash

Noun

The planned center for arbitrating investment and commercial disputes, for example, will sit within the Syrian Investment Authority, which is itself attached to the presidency.

— Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
Adair died in jail following a dispute with deputies, including Fatherley, who knelt on his back.

— Sofi Zeman August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of dispute

Verb

Continue reading … -- POLITICS 'BAD LOOK' – Newsom's attack dog taunts Buttigieg over South Carolina visit as 2028 fight heats up.

— , FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Cunningham’s highlights are hard fouls, a few 3-pointers, taunting, serving as a ring girl at a UFC fight, her sense of humor, and now commentary that has a Fox flair.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of taunt

Verb

Kimmel and Damon then bicker over who has a rightful paternal claim to the child, culminating in a pitch-perfect spoof of Maury featuring Short as Povich.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
There’s striker Josie Gordon, bickering twin sisters Siobhan and Niamh, glove-shunning goalie Katie ‘Boots’ Quinn and couple Maddie and Margy.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of bicker

Noun

Although the allegations became a significant controversy surrounding his political career, higher courts later invalidated key evidence in the investigation, and the criminal complaint against him was rejected in 2022.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
The vote came without debate on the Assembly floor, despite previous controversy over the changes as the bill moved through the Senate.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of controversy

Browse Nearby Words

has sex

hassle

hassled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hassle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hassle. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of hassle

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes