as in disturbing
causing worry or anxiety
I have this nagging feeling that something will still go wrong
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in urging
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders
she kept nagging him to fix the furnace before the weather got any colder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complaining
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
if all you can do is nag, then you are of no use to this organization at all
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nagging
Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
While dealing with a nagging minor injury, Wednesday’s loss to Sweden at Ridder was the first real game Eiserman had played since the Terriers’ loss to Western Michigan in the Frozen Four finale more than three months ago.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 30 July 2025
However, a nagging calf injury turned severely worse in game seven and was confirmed to be a torn Achilles.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 29 July 2025
Norfleet’s 2024 campaign was hindered by a nagging shoulder injury, culminating in surgery ahead of the Music City Bowl in December.
—Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for nagging
Adjective
Even with a nagging toe injury and the Giants having a revolving door at quarterback, Nabers still shined in 2024.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
While dealing with a nagging minor injury, Wednesday’s loss to Sweden at Ridder was the first real game Eiserman had played since the Terriers’ loss to Western Michigan in the Frozen Four finale more than three months ago.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 30 July 2025
However, a nagging calf injury turned severely worse in game seven and was confirmed to be a torn Achilles.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 29 July 2025
Norfleet’s 2024 campaign was hindered by a nagging shoulder injury, culminating in surgery ahead of the Music City Bowl in December.
—Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for nagging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nagging
Adjective
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As a mother of two boys in public schools and the product of public schools myself, this news was disturbing to say the least.—
Andrea Campbell,
Time,
6 Aug. 2025
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Her dad, Taylor finds her art to be disturbing, but nonetheless harmless.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In 2023, a billboard displaying Graves' photo was placed near the festival site, urging attendees to provide any information to authorities.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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AccuWeather experts are urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and to prepare for significant disruptions this weekend.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Buccaneers started complaining to the officials about fouls.—
CJ Moore,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
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That first-round pick became Merriman (although, the Giants aren't complaining).—
Ryan Morik,
Fox News,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Their story was both deeply familiar and powerfully unsettling.—
Sam Wolson,
New Yorker,
7 Aug. 2025
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The novel is unsettling but thrilling, and a classic work that has stood the test of time.—
Robert English,
EW.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
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If your home is begging for a refresh, don’t miss the chance to save on furniture and decor at Wayfair’s epic spring sale.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
24 Mar. 2025
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Rebecca was then allegedly seen on camera begging Yolanda to call 911 multiple times as her wife told her to go back inside.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That might mean nudging troubling conversations in a different direction or issuing something akin to a warning label.—
Robert Hart,
Time,
5 Aug. 2025
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Attorneys from the Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic, which represents Hubbell, also have made troubling allegations of police misconduct, accusing investigators of ignoring incriminating evidence against Overstreet in the Myers investigation, while building a weak case against the wrong man.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Rodin Cars The big idea behind Rodin is to build cars without bothering about vehicle regulations – in stark contrast to F1 cars, which are subject to several rules around how they're put together.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Jan. 2025
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The city and state have also been ramping up efforts to engage troubled vagrants sleeping and sometimes bothering straphangers, connecting them with services and shelter and potentially involuntary treatment.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The whining about everyone else didn’t help, either.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
31 Dec. 2024
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Stop whining and thank your lucky stars for having a job.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Nagging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nagging. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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