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
One element Davy loved was giving Jules black eyeliner under her eyes — a detail that’s a little baby doll-like. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 Contrary to what many are saying, that's not a baby nursery, that's a piece of content created so the college student can post it on social media to compete against her friends. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 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
  • Sun-protective clothing has long had an audience with swimmers, surfers and young children donning the trusty rash guard, as well as hikers and athletes.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Family and religion Sabio and his wife, Abigail, have five children.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Two people were killed by Russian strikes in Zelenskyy's home city of Kryvyi Rih, the president wrote, as was one person in the northeastern city of Sumy.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Thirteen employees of a steel factory in Kryvyi Rih were injured and one person died, according to Arcelor Mittal, which operates the plant.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Ries advocates redesigning governance to prioritize stewardship, trust, and mission primacy, citing companies like Costco and Patagonia as examples of enduring success.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The other stews help out with lines and fenders, and the docking is a success.
    Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Are they deluded into thinking that the complainers are just a squeaky wheel minority and the majority of fans are happy with it?
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 13 July 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The two met before the actor underwent heart surgery in 2009, and Schneider, a graphic designer, reportedly helped nurse the star back to health following his procedure.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Uncle Jimmy hung back by the drippy windows at the rear of the kitchen nursing a Schlitz.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Take advantage of lingering warm and sunny days while celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday with a mini vacation that everyone will love.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Once Hanft started cooking, others were inspired to join in the hospitality, Crystal Martin, of Schererville, ran to her mom’s house and brought back several mini loaves of banana and zucchini bread for whoever wanted it.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Williams also was a suspect in the 2005 death of his infant daughter in Alaska but charges were not filed until 2022.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The mother may also have auditory or visual hallucinations that drive her to harm herself or the infant.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Officers were already at an unrelated car crash two blocks away when they were summoned to a single-family home in Windfield based on a 911 call from a man who identified himself as the shooter, Windfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong said.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The mother of 19-year-old Izick Aminartey is remembering her son as a loving young man after he was identified as one of two people killed in a shooting in Essex, Maryland.
    Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baby. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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