Definition of babynext
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as in complainer
a person who makes frequent complaints usually about little things don't be such a baby—the shot didn't hurt that much

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baby

2 of 3

verb

baby

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb baby contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of baby are humor, indulge, mollycoddle, pamper, and spoil. While all these words mean "to show undue favor to a person's desires and feelings," baby suggests excessive care, attention, or solicitude.

babying students by grading too easily

When might humor be a better fit than baby?

The synonyms humor and baby are sometimes interchangeable, but humor stresses a yielding to a person's moods or whims.

humored him by letting him tell the story

When can indulge be used instead of baby?

The words indulge and baby can be used in similar contexts, but indulge implies excessive compliance and weakness in gratifying another's or one's own desires.

indulged myself with food at the slightest excuse

Where would mollycoddle be a reasonable alternative to baby?

The words mollycoddle and baby are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mollycoddle suggests an excessive degree of care and attention to another's health or welfare.

refused to mollycoddle her malingering son

In what contexts can pamper take the place of baby?

In some situations, the words pamper and baby are roughly equivalent. However, pamper implies inordinate gratification of desire for luxury and comfort with consequent enervating effect.

pampered by the amenities of modern living

When would spoil be a good substitute for baby?

The meanings of spoil and baby largely overlap; however, spoil stresses the injurious effects on character by indulging or pampering.

foolish parents spoil their children

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 baby
Noun
In addition to men’s and women’s wear, the Pantheon store stocks children’s, baby and home collections. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 July 2026 David posted a tribute marking the occasion on Instagram, showing throwbacks of her as a baby and in recent years. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026
Verb
The brothers were each two years apart in age, but younger siblings were never babied; Nick recalled being on the receiving end of numerous pummelings by his older brothers. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026 Each new piece was crafted to be simple, functional, and beautiful, giving parents peace of mind and babies a nurturing space to grow. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baby
Noun
  • Under the law, their children were deemed to be citizens at birth.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • Two adults and a child were injured by falling debris in Qatar as the country defended against Iranian attacks, its Ministry of Interior said Sunday.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Fan Fest hits capacity Though it’s been popular, the free experience on the grounds of the National World War I Museum and Memorial had never hit its 25,000-person capacity — until today.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Looks like an interesting docu-series, though, maybe especially for those of us who will never go in person.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • The president of the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) said the law is an important step forward, but its long-term success will depend on cooperation between federal, state and local leaders.
    Nakell Williams, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Atlanta’s formula for success included 16 second-chance points, 21 points off turnovers and 35 rebounds.
    Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026
  • However, the Lakers are complainers to begin with and have always gotten a favorable whistle.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • The teen has only one goal while putting 10 shots on target after coming into this World Cup still nursing a left hamstring issue.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • More important, Tubbs detected in Ferguson someone who, under the feral exterior, shared his affection for hard work and heterodox thinking and quietly nursed a desire to become part of something larger than himself.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • At Javvu Spa, kids can indulge in treatments tailored to them, including a mini coconut scrub, a mini mani-pedi, and mini meditation sessions.
    Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • Items in the all-day menu include delicious mini Wagyu beef sliders, a wild mushroom ravioli, and an artisan charcuterie board comprising Iberico ham, truffle salami, chorizo picante, and cornichons.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • That’s the percentage of infants globally who received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine last year, according to annual WHO and UNICEF estimates.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 15 July 2026
  • Kaufman has also been criticized for arguing in the past against giving infants the hepatitis B vaccine and questioning if vaccines are connected to autism and other health issues.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Durán Guerrero’s neighbor said the young man, who was headed to work when the shooting happened, lived with his partner and their 3-year-old daughter.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for public assistance in identifying a man, who is accused of robbing a bank in Miami Lakes.
    Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Baby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baby. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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