as in almost
very close to but not completely
it was well-nigh dark, but I could still see a little
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Recent Examples of well-nigh
Right now, though, a coherent A.I. policy seems well-nigh inconceivable.
—
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-nigh
Adverb
-
The Dancing With the Stars judging panel almost got through Wicked night without flying off the handle.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
-
In September, a 130-unit building in Chicago’s South Shore was raided, with almost every one of the building’s residents — even children — being detained.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Recreate Witherspoon’s rich monochromatic look with these burgundy pants that are practically begging to be worn during holiday gatherings.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
With such a wide array of benefits and potential savings, an Amazon Prime membership will practically pay for itself.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
At Target, for instance, the category’s sales have soared nearly 70% year-to-date and are expected to top $1 billion in annual revenue.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Atlanta failed to capitalize on that interception or on a pass-interference penalty against Deommodore Lenoir, who nearly had the 49ers’ first interception in 445 passes.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The species went virtually extinct elsewhere.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Behind him, officials key to his brutal rule made a mass exodus, virtually undetected.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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