WELL-NIGH Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

well-nigh

adverb

ˈwel-ˈnī

Definition of well-nigh

as in almost

very close to but not completely it was well-nigh dark, but I could still see a little

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 well-nigh Cameron keeps upping the ante, until one becomes convinced the T-1000 is well-nigh invincible. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 For his part, MLS commissioner Don Garber’s off-the-cuff take was well-nigh poetic. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026 At Calder Gardens, art, architecture, and horticulture achieve a well-nigh perfect equilibrium. — Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025 The journey along the Gemini, which measured only 18 feet and five inches from bow to stern, proved to be well-nigh impossible. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025 In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-nigh

Adverb

Dominguez has been funded almost entirely by the teachers union.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Recorded live in a Norwegian church with the British organist Kit Downes, the album consists almost entirely of pipe organ and Sundfør’s steadfast, saintly voice.

— Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of almost

Adverb

Existing approaches have typically relied on relatively bulky energy-harvesting devices sutured onto organs, which have struggled to generate practically useful amounts of power.

— Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026
Allure Best of Beauty winner—feels practically weightless on skin, absorbing quickly without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of practically

Adverb

As families’ interest in charter schools continues to grow, however — charters enrolled over 400,000 students in 2026, up nearly 50,000 students since 2022 — supply and quality must keep up with demand.

— Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
After fouling out for the first time in nearly a year a few days ago, Antetokounmpo again ran into foul trouble early in Wednesday’s game.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of nearly

Adverb

Testing these factors virtually can help engineers identify potential problems before conducting physical trials on the factory floor.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder starts at inside linebacker and wide receiver, occasionally lines up at running back, handles punting duties and plays on virtually all special teams.

— Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of virtually

Browse Nearby Words

wellness

well-nigh

well-off

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of well-nigh

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wraith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes