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picking 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.

The ETF market can also be mean, picking on specific people.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2025

England have shown, however, they don't mind picking on potential - just look at the success of 20-year-old off-spinner Shoaib Bashir on the tour of India.

From BBC • May 13, 2024

“You guys are a bunch of 30-, 40-year-old men picking on kids and stuff — like can you at least help?” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2024

He told the officers they would “regret picking on me because you don’t know who … I am.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2023

“Bigger, I’m not picking on you, honey. I’m glad you got the job.”

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright