Definitions

sexual harassment

[sek-shoo-uhl huh-ras-muhnt, har-uhs-muhnt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl həˈræs mənt, ˈhær əs mənt /

NOUN

unwanted sexual advance

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exploitation impropriety intimidation victimization

WEAK

inappropriate behavior offensive sexual advance sexual abuse sexual pressure suggestive comments unprofessional behavior unwanted sexual advances

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.

District Judge Lewis Liman, is related specifically to costs associated with Baldoni’s defamation suit and is based on a California statute enacted to protect people who speak out against sexual harassment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Experts said the case marks an unprecedented shift in Thailand -- which never had a #MeToo movement -- with Thais more openly discussing sexual harassment and abuse.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Urge legislators to take action to limit mandatory arbitration, as when Congress enacted a law in 2022 prohibiting sexual harassment and sexual assault claims from being forced into arbitration.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

Gilbert also told Stephanopoulos that before she married Busfield, she was aware he had been accused of sexual harassment twice by different women, once in 1994 and another time in 2012.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies, says the industry takes sexual harassment and assault cases "very seriously".

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026