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
At Calder Gardens, art, architecture, and horticulture achieve a well-nigh perfect equilibrium.
—
Martin Filler,
The New York Review of Books,
27 Nov. 2025
The journey along the Gemini, which measured only 18 feet and five inches from bow to stern, proved to be well-nigh impossible.
—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
11 Nov. 2025
In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one.
—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
21 Nov. 2023
Martin Filler,
The New York Review of Books,
27 Nov. 2025
The journey along the Gemini, which measured only 18 feet and five inches from bow to stern, proved to be well-nigh impossible.
—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
11 Nov. 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
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Roberts doffed his cap in gratitude for a spirited postgame ovation from the fans here, almost all of them Dodgers fans.
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An index tracking semiconductor stocks has surged almost 88% since March, its best quarterly performance on record, according to FactSet data that goes back until to 1994.
Adverb
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And unlike conventional transmissions with a finite number of gears, an eCVT can move through a practically infinite number of gear ratios over a specified range based on your preferred cadence.
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Loose dresses are a lifesaver when humidity strikes, and this midi style was practically made for tropical temperatures.
Adverb
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The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
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As night falls, the doors open and the nearly 5,000 attendees walk in.
Adverb
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The rows of chairs facing the stage offered virtually no shade, including reserved sections for VIPs and World War II veterans.
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Drought covered virtually the entire Plains, destroying crops with deficient rainfall, high temperatures, high winds, insect infestations and dust storms.
Cite this Entry
“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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