CHIVY Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'chivy' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chivy are badger , bait , heckle , hector , and hound . While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging. // chivied the new student mercilessly

Q: When is it sensible to use 'badger' instead of 'chivy'?

The words badger and chivy can be used in similar contexts, but badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy. // badgered her father for a car

Q: When is 'bait' a more appropriate choice than 'chivy'?

While the synonyms bait and chivy are close in meaning, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim. // baited the chained dog

Q: When would 'heckle' be a good substitute for 'chivy'?

The words heckle and chivy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker. // drunks heckled the stand-up comic

Q: When can 'hector' be used instead of 'chivy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to chivy , hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering. // football players hectored by their coach

Q: In what contexts can 'hound' take the place of 'chivy'?

In some situations, the words hound and chivy are roughly equivalent. However, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing. // hounded by creditors

chivy

verb

ˈchi-vē

variants or chivvy

Definition of chivy

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as in to bother

to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation a boss with a reputation for chivying his workers about every little thing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word chivy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chivy are badger, bait, heckle, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is it sensible to use badger instead of chivy?

The words badger and chivy can be used in similar contexts, but badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When is bait a more appropriate choice than chivy?

While the synonyms bait and chivy are close in meaning, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When would heckle be a good substitute for chivy?

The words heckle and chivy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

When can hector be used instead of chivy?

While in some cases nearly identical to chivy, hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

In what contexts can hound take the place of chivy?

In some situations, the words hound and chivy are roughly equivalent. However, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of chivy Chelsea had chivied and harried and unnerved Real Madrid, the reigning European champion. —Rory Smith, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2023 For smaller losses, says David Gluckman, Lumkani’s boss, policyholders often have to be chivvied into claiming. —The Economist, 22 Aug. 2019 But radium was rare and costly, with tiny quantities hoarded and chivvied between nations for experiments. —New York Times, 28 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivy

Verb

By the end of the day, my T-zone had turned a little bit oily, but honestly, not enough to bother me.

— Denise Primbet, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2025
The First Amendment’s free speech protection is under siege by the Trump administration and that should bother every American, including Republicans.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025