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nudge 1 of 2

verb

ˈnəj How to pronounce nudge (audio)
Definition of nudgenext
1
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
2
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

noun

as in push

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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 nudge
Verb
By paying women to remain out of the labor force, the White House’s proposal would indeed nudge parents away from day care. — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 This year certainly isn’t the magical regular season that came in 2025, but the next 10 games will help nudge the narrative in one direction or another. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
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 Eggs are famous for being fragile, cracking open at the slightest nudge against a countertop. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudge
  1. brush
  2. urge
  3. push
  4. kiss
  5. encourage
  6. jerk
  7. touch
Verb
  • Thick fringe folded over the front of her face, mingling with her spider-leg lashes, which brushed the bottom of her brows.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Inside, plastic gives way to brushed aluminum and Alcantara upholstery – a synthetic suede-like fabric– and the classic circular dials are reborn as digital displays set into a horizontal aluminum strip.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • The county urged the Supreme Court to reject the administration's appeal, while the state of Texas submitted its own brief defending the database.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The county urged the Supreme Court to reject the administration’s appeal, while the state of Texas submitted its own brief defending the database.
    — Ali Swenson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of urge
Noun
  • Meanwhile, there has also been an aggressive build-up of support for the installation of solar panels at factories, along with a broader push toward greener production.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Design flaws with a pedestrian bridge are the latest hurdle in the decade-long push to connect the Bel Air and Forest Hill sections of the trail.
    — Luke Kaiser, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of push
Verb
  • Partner Alan Bersten hugged De Laurentiis, kissing her on the head, while also crying.
    — Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2026
  • As part of Faust’s plea deal, prosecutors agreed to dismiss most of the other charges, including allegations of her kissing the fifth grader, the Pioneer Press and WQOW report.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of kiss
Verb
  • While the rest of the table is encouraging growth and forgiveness, Meredith is refusing to budge, completely stonewalling this apology and completely willing to die on this hill.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The dairy farmer agreed with a comment from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins encouraging Americans to seek out other forms of protein, including turkey, amid a rise in the cost of beef.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of encourage
Noun
  • According to children’s program manager Fedeline Julien, who has worked for Beaches since 1999, the area where Treasure Beach stands used to be dedicated to beach parties, team member residences, and the jerk truck.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In late August, Mayor Mamdani hosted a celebration of Caribbean culture at Gracie Mansion with plenty of patties and jerk chicken to go around.
    — Reshma B, VIBE.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in her morning news briefing that experts had indicated that the hurricane was not likely to touch land.
    — DESIREE BROOKS, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Miley isn’t touching the most compelling corners of her story.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of touch

Browse Nearby Words

nude
nudge
nudged
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Cite this Entry

“Nudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nudge. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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