nosy

adjective

ˈnō-zē How to pronounce nosy (audio)
variants or nosey
Definition of nosynext
1
as in curious
interested in what is not one's own business nosy in-laws asking about our finances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 However, French cuisine, a 1950s horror movie and a nosy hotel employee interrupt their stay. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 17 May 2026 Much of the comedy came from the multi-generational family dynamics, as Ray's nosy parents lived right across the street. — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 The long lawn to the south remained mostly off-limits—but not for security reasons so much as keeping nosy tourists away from the first family. — Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 This will keep out nosy children and pets. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nosy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nosy
  1. curious
  2. busy
  3. inquisitive
  4. officious
  5. annoying
  6. meddlesome
Adjective
  • His team is curious about the fuel effects of acceleration and aggressive driving and other air pollutants that might increase with speeding.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026
  • Nolan’s film retains much of the original narrative, so any kids curious about mythology and the classics will surely enjoy it without being specifically familiar with this piece of literature.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 July 2026
Definition of curious
Adjective
  • Dollar Tree quietly stocks shelf-stable protein shakes, protein bars and cheese sticks that can round out a breakfast or refuel a busy afternoon without straining a tight budget.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • Little ones can spend time in Sultan’s Village, the island’s kids’ club, where activities like pirate treasure hunts, coconut painting, and disco nights keep them busy.
    — Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
Definition of busy
Adjective
  • Anyone who’s sat next to a kid (or an inquisitive adult) firing off nonstop questions knows how quickly focus disappears.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
  • Her eyes wide and gaze inquisitive, Laura takes in everything around her.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 July 2026
Definition of inquisitive
Adjective
  • Ambivalent about leaving Wisconsin, Caroline is befriended by the officious Jemma James (Mary Holland), whose husband, Eli (Michael Hough), is a railroad man.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026
  • The former is heralded with a blast of horns; the latter guards its inner sanctum behind Tobie Windham’s officious sentry.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of officious
Adjective
  • The Moon shifts our mood toward fairness and cooperation, making compromise less annoying than usual.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
  • After all, if my brothers could be annoying, affectionate, and self-aggrandizing all at once, why couldn’t a man in the history books?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Definition of annoying
Adjective
  • The unit's playing time in those games had been limited by a combination of blowouts (wins and losses), minute restrictions (Aaron Gordon) and meddlesome minor injuries (Jamal Murray's ankle and shoulder).
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Woody Johnson is known to be meddlesome, impatient and easily influenced by headlines.
    — The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of meddlesome

Browse Nearby Words

no sweat
nosy
not
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Cite this Entry

“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nosy for Spanish Speakers

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