Another Word for Bully – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
Meaning of “Bully”
A bully is someone who hurts, frightens, or controls others, often on purpose. You can use it to describe someone at school, work, or online who treats others badly.Synonyms for “Bully”
1. Harass – To repeatedly bother or upset someone. 👉 Often used for serious or ongoing behavior, like at work or online. 2. Intimidate – To make someone feel afraid or weak. 👉 Common when someone uses power or fear to control others. 3. Tease – To make fun of someone, sometimes in a playful way. 👉 Can be friendly or mean, depending on the situation. 4. Pick on – To unfairly blame or criticize someone again and again. 👉 Often used for children or teenagers in school. 5. Threaten – To say or show you will harm someone. 👉 Used when someone uses words or actions to scare others.Example Sentences
1. The manager was fired for harassing his team. 2. Some students intimidate others to feel powerful. 3. Don’t tease your friends too much—it can hurt feelings. 4. Kids sometimes pick on the quiet ones in class. 5. He threatened to tell lies if she didn’t do what he wanted.Mini Dialogue
Anna: I think Jake is picking on Sam again.
Ben: Yeah, he’s always teasing him in front of everyone.
Anna: Someone should tell the teacher before it gets worse.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t say: “He bullied her with bad words.” ✅ Say: “He harassed her with bad words.” (Use “harass” when it happens again and again.)Let’s Practice!
Which synonym best fits this sentence?
“The big kid tried to ______ the new student by standing too close.”
(Answer: intimidate – because it means to make someone scared or uncomfortable.)
Practice Tip
Use one new synonym for “bully” in your next message or conversation today.
