variants
or nosey
1
as in prying
interested in what is not one's own business
nosy in-laws asking about our finances
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in busy
thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited
a nosy coworker sat down right next to us as we were having an unmistakably private conversation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 nosy
Will McCarthy be able to keep intermediate passes away from nosy safeties Jessie Bates and Xavier Watts?
—
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Turns out a nosy news crew is filming, and he’s just learned the school’s patron has sold the property.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Then, throw it deep into the garbage so that no industrious or nosey pets can get to it.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
There’s not a better cover in the world for being aggressively nosy than walking your dog.
—Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nosy
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Turns out a nosy news crew is filming, and he’s just learned the school’s patron has sold the property.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Then, throw it deep into the garbage so that no industrious or nosey pets can get to it.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
There’s not a better cover in the world for being aggressively nosy than walking your dog.
—Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nosy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nosy
Adjective
-
But inquiring into the specifics of familial dynamics is impudent and prying -- and a line of questioning that most people would be happy to avoid answering themselves.—
Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin,
oregonlive,
4 Feb. 2023
-
But inquiring into the specifics of familial dynamics is impudent and prying — and a line of questioning that most people would be happy to avoid answering themselves.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
4 Feb. 2023
Adjective
-
Under Armour has also been busy making bigger investments in the performance shoe category.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The folks at East Fork have been busy this year.—
Emily Farris,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Joking aside—or, maybe not—the truth is this is definitely a different kind of character for Duchovny, who’s known for playing more inquisitive men like The X-Files’ Fox Mulder.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Babies also have new behaviors, from a playful and inquisitive Diplodocus to a more timid Moros Intrepidus.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For Andrews, leadership begins where technology ends, in the courage to be audacious, curious, and authentic.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
27 Oct. 2025
-
This has spawned a curious worldview that fears AI is coming for our jobs and a drive to be at the top of the AI food chain.—
Darian Woods,
NPR,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share