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.

The decade-long trial was beset by delays due to coronavirus disruptions and problems securing translators.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

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

Bass was also beset with challenges, being an incumbent in a city beset with problems.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Housing is an area of particular focus for Mr. Lindsey, since he rightfully notes that it is beset by bad regulations and high prices that inhibit family formation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 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

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"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

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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!