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Definitions

pick on

VERB
nag
Synonyms
STRONGEST
badger bully get at tease torment
WEAK
bait blame carp cavil criticize find fault foment get to goad hector incite instigate pick at provoke quibble start

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.

This was a sport that everyone loved to pick on for being increasingly irrelevant, and now we’re arguing about a ridiculous non-event before the schedule has started.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

I am going to have to pick on liberal arts majors.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Back in 2020, the Dolphins used the No. 5 pick on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Chargers used No. 6 on Justin Herbert.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

The Chiefs spent a first-round pick on him to protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside in an area that's cost them two heavy Super Bowl defeats.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

“No, you don’t. You’re mean to Vonetta. You pick on her.”

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia