ACCOSTS Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

accosts

verb

present tense third-person singular of accost

as in confronts

to approach and speak to (someone) often in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way He was accosted by peddlers selling touristy trinkets on the street. She was so famous that people would accost her on the street and ask for an autograph.

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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 accosts In that dialogue, Endymion, the mythical shepherd, is imprisoned in an eternal sleep by Artemis and accosts a stranger who is on his way to Mount Latmus, where Endymion repairs each night to wait for Artemis. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for accosts

Verb

And a rookie cop confronts an otherworldly threat in a remote Korean village.

— Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, Egypt moved toward potentially providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom confronts the growing Houthi threat.

— Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of confronts

Verb

As El Gouna approaches its 10th edition, Shawky says the next step is strengthening CineGouna’s international presence and developing more year-round activity beyond the annual festival.

— Essie Assibu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
General view of tourists taking selfies at North Bund in Shanghai, China, as Typhoon Dolphin approaches the country.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of approaches

Browse Nearby Words

accosting

accosts

accouchement

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“Accosts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accosts. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of accosts

verb

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