nudge 1 of 2

verb

ˈnəj How to pronounce nudge (audio)
Definition of nudgenext
1
as in to brush
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing accidentally nudged me as they squeezed past

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action the car salesman nudged me into taking a test-drive, even though I had said that I was just looking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nudge

2 of 2

noun

as in push

Related Words

Example Sentences

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 nudge
Verb
While Schwartz retells classic folklore tales with humor and goosebumps in equal measure, Gammell’s powerful drawings nudge children wordlessly toward the ghoulish. — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026 Doctors point to how the body regulates its own temperature at night, and how a cozy pair of socks can nudge that process along. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
In a country that’s found success with national campaigns – from public cleanliness to encouraging courtesy – a light nudge and a little reward might just be enough to get people to turn the page. — Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 What if my editor accepted the nudge in an email app to summarize further? — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudge
  1. brush
  2. urge
  3. push
  4. kiss
  5. encourage
  6. jerk
  7. touch
Verb
  • Lightly brush the borders with the egg wash, avoiding the cut edges.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman brushed off talk of a fading dynasty, saying the team is focused on building a roster that can contend in 2027.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • Two strategists close to Acton’s campaign, granted anonymity to discuss its internalassessment, urged caution about the more optimistic assessment of where the contest now stands.
    — Teo Armus, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Trump has also told Kyiv to stop attacking Russian refineries and urged Ukrainians to replace Zelenskyy.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of urge
Noun
  • The latest push to end the practice began in June after an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died after jumping from a runaway carriage.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Trump’s push to rename geographic landmarks began on his first day back in office.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of push
Verb
  • The apples of the cheeks should be touched with the a similar shade of bronze that may be kissing the eyelids, and layered under a fresh peach or tangerine, Schoen said.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But Shauf is less a mystery author than the proprietor of an intricate dollhouse, making his figurines fight and kiss in cross-sectioned rooms.
    — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of kiss
Verb
  • Palestine Action founder Huda Ammori encouraged joining offshoot groups to circumvent the ban, the Telegraph reported.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Meta encourages its users to name their AIs—and encourages its AIs to think like humans.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of encourage
Noun
  • From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bella’s childhood friend Angus (Jake Simmance), a corporate jerk, condescendingly probes Johnny about his career.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Writing diaristic, country-leaning soft-rock, Stiltz also touches on the work of David Berman and Bill Callahan.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The carbon covers the grip, the thumb rest, and the soft-release button, the spots a photographer touches most.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of touch

Browse Nearby Words

nude
nudge
nudged
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Cite this Entry

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

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