picked on

VERB

nag, provoke

Synonyms

WEAK

badger bait blame bully carp cavil criticize find fault foment get at get to goad hector incite instigate quibble start tease torment

Antonyms

WEAK

compliment praise

VERB

nag

Synonyms

STRONGEST

badger bully get at tease torment

WEAK

bait blame carp cavil criticize find fault foment get to goad hector incite instigate pick at provoke quibble start

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.

See Examples For:

picked on

Under cross examination, however, Kaley talked about feeling neglected, berated and picked on by family members, causing depression and anxiety that had nothing to do with social media.

From Barron's ● Feb. 26, 2026

I was picked on, so I retreated into the fantasy world of television.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 25, 2025

They dressed Nania differently than his classmates, who picked on him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2025

The flowers were picked on Wednesday on the grounds of Windsor Castle and the surrounding estate - and included rosemary representing remembrance, oak for longevity and endurance, and bluebells for gratitude.

From BBC ● May 8, 2025

I turn my back and look to see who’s been picked on.

From "Ninth Ward" by Jewell Parker Rhodes