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

So there’s not that much to happen in the last two-thirds of the drama than for your ribs to be constantly nudged with the idea of how easily the most respectable citizens among us will give in to modest proposals and, indeed, murder. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026 Expect wearables and continuous glucose monitors to start nudging users to move within the 15-to-30-minute window after eating, replacing generic daily step prompts. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

Use it, if at all, as a nudge toward the behaviors researchers already know matter. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026 After a few moments, Rivera felt a nudge against his leg and realized that his dog came back to help guide him away from danger. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nudge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudge

Verb

Warm walnut, rich performance upholstery, and brushed metal details give the pieces a distinctly executive feel without making your home office feel like a corporate cubicle.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
The brand describes the formula as peroxide-free and positions the 460 nm visible blue light, PAP toothpaste and light-guiding brush head as one whitening system used during brushing.

— Advertorial, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of brush

Verb

Bryan pushed back at the time, arguing that the song spoke to both sides of the aisle and urging fans not to let social media narratives divide them.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2026
In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement urging doctors to offer medications for opioid use disorder to adolescent and young adult patients who needed them.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of urge

Verb

That’s because the acting Oscar races are really more akin to a political campaign that involves millions of dollars, months of meet-and-greets and kissing metaphorical babies, and dozens of screenings and press appearances.

— Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
The impression is of a raucous house party—one in which secrets are spilled, kisses are stolen, and everyone drinks far too much.

— Zing Tsjeng, Vogue, 2 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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“Nudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nudge. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nudge

verb

noun

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