NUDGE Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

nudge 1 of 2

verb

ˈnəj

Definition of nudge

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

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

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

Ilya’s urging to slow down and observe the safety protocols merely result in Sam nudging him aside, along with Mira for a time. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026 The blind man nudged the ferrule of his cane into the bulk of the sleeping figure, sidestepped him deftly, and moved on to the end of the block, a stoplight, heavy traffic, cyclists, big scary trucks. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026

Noun

Breach’s public nudge reveals the politics that could await MLB’s owners during the lockout they are expected to start in December. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Use it, if at all, as a nudge toward the behaviors researchers already know matter. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nudge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudge

Verb

Across campus, students raised trembling voices, burst into applause, and brushed away tears.

— Jeannine Chiang, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Silver brushed off this week’s rejection as a bump in the road.

— Alex Sherman, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of brush

Verb

The group’s president and CEO, Steve Lamar, said the AAFA is urging stronger action against platforms that enable the trade of dupes and fakes, which can be dangerous to consumers as the illicit goods are produced through unregulated operations.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Police urged anyone who sees Poindexter to call law enforcement and not attempt to approach him.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of urge

Verb

While the imagery around the show was overtly erotic, from the footage of mating snails and kissing bodies to the music and the projections, the clothes themselves were less about baring skin than creating a sense of sensuality.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
According to Miltenberg, Doe kissed his client first and did not see her drinking alcohol or doing drugs.

— Michael Ruiz , Bryan Llenas, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of kiss

Verb

Unlike many spas that focus on the healing effects of treatments, Kamalaya goes much deeper, encouraging guests to explore more emotional issues in a safe space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Still, Terry Strada, whose husband, Tom Strada, was killed in the attacks, said she was encouraged that more than 100 family members of 9/11 victims turned out and by the judges’ questions.

— Tom Winter, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of encourage

Noun

Bella’s childhood friend Angus (Jake Simmance), a corporate jerk, condescendingly probes Johnny about his career.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
There was significant excitement over the first-look footage revealing perhaps the world’s biggest movie star transforming himself to become a portly, gray-haired jerk in an offbeat feature focusing on climate change.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of jerk

Verb

Norma Mitchell, cofounder of the business and grandmother of its current top executives, died of the disease, and many other family members, employees and customers have been touched by it.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Consequently, international gold prices experienced downward pressure, briefly touching their lowest level since August 5th during intraday trading.

— , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of touch

Browse Nearby Words

nude

nudge

nudged

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Style

“Nudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nudge. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nudge

verb

noun

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