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.

See Examples For:

sexual harassment

Lively initially sued Baldoni, her co-star and director of the 2024 film It Ends With Us for sexual harassment and retaliation, before he countersued for defamation.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

The judge tossed Lively’s claims of sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy, but allowed some claims, including retaliation and breach of contract, to proceed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

In 1991, NPR’s Nina Totenberg broke the story of Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual harassment against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, drawing the ire of the right.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026

"I have committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment," he insisted.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

But the agreement preserved Lively’s ability to seek attorneys fees and damages under California Civil Code Section 47.1, a relatively new statute designed to shield sexual harassment and assault accusers from retaliatory defamation claims.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026