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

Relevance

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

If a kid’s activity, date, hobby, or creative plan nudges the budget, set a clear ceiling first. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Lacking prospect capital and having various needs could nudge the Phillies toward a measured approach that seeks several marginal upgrades. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Noun

Write down the strongest nudge, then take one friendly step forward. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2026 Handing the survivor her jewelry and hearing her story a few days later gave Dondi and her team of volunteers a reassuring nudge to push forward with their work. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nudge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudge

Verb

Instead, when you’re done brushing, just spit out that excess toothpaste and let the small amount left over stay on your teeth.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 23 July 2026
The technology used to establish factual decisions proved effective, notwithstanding the complaints from Croatia and Norway about whether the ball had indeed brushed a strand of hair against Portugal or hit an overhead cable against England.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of brush

Verb

Despite impressive demonstrations, a true, self-improving AI beyond human control remains unproven, urging leaders to distinguish current capabilities from future forecasts.

— Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Meanwhile, Éléonore Caroit, France’s minister for international partnerships, urged tourists not to cancel their holiday plans and emphasized that most of the country remains untouched.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Definition of urge

Noun

Depending on the context, these suggestions can be as subtle as presenting one piece of artwork before another on a digital guide or as explicit as generating a push notification or other nudge.

— Mureji Fatunde-Iloeje, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2026
But whereas the debate then largely centered on racial integration, Mamdani and Samuels want to expand the push to mixed economic and disability status or primary language.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Definition of push

Verb

The fish were illegally introduced in the 1970s, so the agency encourages anglers to pursue the game fish and keep their catches.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
The tradition, known as lördagsgodis, began in the 1950s by Swedish health officials to encourage limiting candy-eating to once a week and prevent cavities.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Definition of encourage

Noun

Led and inspired by Chef Wayne Sharpe, this fast Jamaican restaurant serves iconic island meals like jerk chicken, jerk shrimp, vegan jerk, pineapple plantains, rice and peas, and Jamaican patties.

— Alexandra Phelps July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Bates plans to expand that menu in the new brick-and-mortar restaurant, adding dishes like jerk catfish pasta and Louisiana Cajun cream sauce over dirty rice.

— Joey Schamber, jsonline.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of jerk

Verb

Orduno also recommends starting with small strokes and letting the liner dry completely before layering or touching the area to prevent smudging.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
Under cross-examination by Burke’s defense lawyer, Blair Berk, Tosch acknowledged that DNA can be transferred to an object without a person touching it directly.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of nudge

verb

noun

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