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.

Stock markets have been beset by commentary comparing current levels, powered by searing tech stocks, to the dotcom era of the late 1990s.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Adam Miller said Los Angeles is on a downward trajectory and is beset with problems.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

As a student in 1983, though, he starts exhibiting sudden involuntary movements and is beset by irresistible urges to shout horrible comments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

If the case does proceed to trial, that path will be "beset by a multitude of delays" given the size and complexity of the material, which will include sensitive national security information.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

‘We cannot hope to find a path through these hills. Whatever danger may beset it, the Road is our only way to the Ford.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing beset

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