Definitions

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.

But the multi-billion-dollar programme was beset by disagreements between the firms involved -- France's Dassault Aviation and Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Housing is an area of particular focus for Mr. Lindsey, since he rightfully notes that it is beset by bad regulations and high prices that inhibit family formation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Private-credit firms have been beset by a surge of redemption requests from investors anxious about the health of their loan portfolios, which some fear aren’t accurately valued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Construction work in the far east Asian nation is frequently beset by poor planning and project management, as well as design errors, research suggests.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Slant is beset upon by all the transports of terror at the prospect.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing beset

Beowulf

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Beowulf vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!