nabob

noun

ˈnā-ˌbäb How to pronounce nabob (audio)
Definition of nabobnext
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group dressed conservatively so as to make a good impression with the nabobs on the co-op's board

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 nabob Netflix execs no doubt long ago figured out how to tune out the nattering nabobs of negativism, understanding that such scrutiny — from both consumers and the press — is the unavoidable by-product of success. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 But all the nattering nabobs of negativism who’d normally have been concentrating on Maura’s catastrophic first term had to devote at least a little attention to recounting one of the Wu Klux Klan’s more embarrassing moments of 2025. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026 Back then, white scholars saw history through the eyes of society’s nabobs, kings and presidents. — Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 Nattering nabobs of non-mainstream media might call it assault by beverage. — Pat Beall, Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2024 The Gold Coast once held the highest concentrations of American wealth, and today, the area remains an upscale part of Long Island, with many of those centuries-old homes of Gilded Age nabobs still intact. — Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024 Chattering nabobs of negativity have highlighted that 66 Chinese companies are being removed from indices. — Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabob
  1. heavyweight
  2. heavy
  3. magnate
  4. big
  5. nawab
  6. king
  7. tycoon
  8. lion
Noun
  • Rob Lowe had plenty of competition for blockbuster roles in the 1980s and ’90s – and one Hollywood heavyweight repeatedly stood in his way.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The expectation for this season was that Michigan would be competitive against every team on the schedule, including Big Ten heavyweights Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of heavyweight
Noun
  • Mehring’s characters include petty criminals, unscrupulous lawyers, Galician Jews, Freikorps heavies, local and international businessmen, Prussian generals, and the everyday citizens inhabiting the streets of Berlin’s old and rather dingy center.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, Benz noted, retirees don't want a mainly stock-heavy portfolio that would mean your only option would be to sell stocks during a longer downturn.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of heavy
Noun
  • This Gulf Coast city is Florida’s arts capital, with a cultural compound that grew from the fortunes of circus magnate John Ringling.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The promise of Kroenke, a multi-sport magnate who has won championships in the NBA, NHL and NFL, provided some of the optimism expressed this week.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of magnate
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the less said about China’s guards, the better; their main job is to get the ball past half court without turning it over and then feed the bigs.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That is a remarkable incentive, if not catnip, to send Condon to the bigs.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of big
Noun
  • The unidentified sitter, meanwhile, is believed to be a wife of a nawab, or an Indian prince.
    — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
  • The manuscript was acquired by Asaf-ud-Daula, nawab of Awadh, and was presented to King George III in 1798.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of nawab
Noun
  • In the resort-view rooms, which start at an ample 535 square feet, the king bed is the focal point, topped with oversized white pillows and crisp white linens imprinted with monarch butterflies, a nod to the area’s colorful inhabitants.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The king arbitrarily gives up his power and divides his kingdom among his children.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of king
Noun
  • Two notable examples are the East India Company and the US transcontinental railroad, and the various tycoons who built it.
    — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Two of the most impressive and imposing estates on the island, Whitehall and The Breakers, were developed by Flagler—the railroad tycoon who stitched Florida together with train tracks in the late 19th century.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of tycoon
Noun
  • The black walnut double staircase in the center hall foyer has carved lions.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • On the business side, Portofino ’97 Eau de Parfum has consistently been the lion’s share of Victoria Beckham Beauty’s fragrance category, and year-to-date has grown 65 percent, according to the brand.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of lion

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nabes
nabob
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Cite this Entry

“Nabob.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabob. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nabob

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nabob

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