beset

[bih-set] / bɪˈsɛt /

VERB

plague; hem in

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bedevil beleaguer besiege embarrass invade overrun perplex surround

STRONG

aggress assail attack badger bug circle compass dog encircle enclose encompass entangle environ girdle harass harry hassle infest nag nudge pester ride ring storm strike

WEAK

drive up the wall fall on fall upon give a bad time give a hard time give one the business give the needle jump on one's case pick on put the squeeze on start in on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clarify clear up explain leave alone please surrender

STRONG

aid assist exclude free help let go lose release support unloose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The world's largest warship has been beset by problems during its deployment in the Middle East, including an earlier breakdown of its toilet system.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The S&P 500, beset with uncertainties about the Middle East and investors’ newfound doubts about artificial intelligence, has gained just 0.7% over that time.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, has been beset by civil war, poverty and corruption since it was formed in 2011.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Some 13% of the loans were in software, a sector that has been beset by investor fears over disruption from artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The chill of Mrs. Fairfax’s warnings, and the damp of her doubts were upon me: something of unsubstantiality and uncertainty had beset my hopes.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Vocabulary lists containing beset

Beowulf

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Beowulf vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!