NAVVY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

navvy

noun

Definition of navvy

chiefly British

as in laborer

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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 navvy Several thousand navvies worked on the railway, living in makeshift camps, and many died in accidents, or from exposure and disease in the bitterly cold winters. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 3 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for navvy

Noun

Meanwhile, $12 million will go to a fund supporting out-of-work entertainment industry laborers.

— Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026
Without fiefdoms structuring the distribution of land, the division of labor, and the provision of military protection, agents of state coercion were needed to ensure that former serfs would serve as wage laborers.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of laborer

Noun

In practical terms, the study suggests a preference for agentic AI to simplify drudge work and logistics, such as narrowing choices or suggesting better options, rather than taking full control of emotionally loaded or high-complexity decisions.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026
Although free labor can help a candidate win, volunteers are also seen as a source of risk, best restricted to such drudge work as phone banking or door knocking.

— Charles Duhigg, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Definition of drudge

Noun

Expect art displays from local artists and makers, live music and performances, mouthwatering grub, and a thirst-quenching beer and margarita booth.

— Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 15 Sep. 2026
Foothills Brewing is downtown’s largest and oldest brewpub and offers a full menu of pub grub.

— Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026

Definition of grub

Noun

Hiring a skilled workman for a full year would cost £60, including the merchant’s cut.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
Gutierrez on Monday in Palm Beach County court pleaded not guilty to charges of operating as an unlicensed money service business, organized scheme to defraud and workman’s compensation fraud, court records show.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of workman

Noun

What was once a workingman’s district is now River North, a polished landscape of galleries, luxury apartments and expense-account dining.

— David Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Company founder Leo Fender and his group of California guitar-makers debuted the Telecaster in 1951 as a durable workingman’s guitar.

— Matthew Leimkuehler, Forbes.com, 13 May 2026

Definition of workingman

Browse Nearby Words

navvies

navvy

navy

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Style

“Navvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/navvy. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of navvy

noun

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