Definitions

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.

But it was always clear to any discerning viewer that these were the overcompensations of a man beset by eternal emptiness.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

But the multi-billion-dollar programme was beset by disagreements between the firms involved -- France's Dassault Aviation and Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The maker of Hot Wheels, American Girl and Uno has recently confronted a challenging market for toys, beset by tariffs on goods produced overseas and weaker-than-expected demand for Barbie dolls and Fisher-Price preschool products.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Louisiana facility beset by escapes, health hazards and otters biting visitors is trying to put its checkered past behind it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

We are still beset by plain diseases, and we do not control them; they are loose on their own, afflicting us unpredictably and haphazardly.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing beset

Beowulf

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"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

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