NERDISH Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

nerdish

adjective

as in intellectual

much given to learning and thinking nerdish students will find several university organizations where they will fit in

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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 nerdish In a deliberately cheap-looking black-and-white faux-’50s horror movie, the comedy team of Tim & Eric (Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim) play nerdish mad scientists who capture and bring to their laboratory a dino-fish monster who looks like a chomping-jawed gill-man made of papier-mâché. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerdish

Adjective

But rather than building it near the existing complex, it was constructed on vacant land in the Latin Quarter, the intellectual heart of the city.

— Shannon Fogg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
Indeed, while Baldessari’s work might seem bland and intellectual at first glance, plenty of pieces in the show put his sense of humor on full display.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of intellectual

Adjective

Japan has selected Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s luminously cerebral French-language feature All of a Sudden as its submission for the best international feature category at the 99th Academy Awards.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Even in the face of all that pressure, the shows — which debuted the tour’s four revolving setlists — were wildly successful, with tributes to Peart helping one of rock’s most cerebral bands hit new heights of emotional impact.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of cerebral

Adjective

All this should be very exciting for fans who have long known one of their favorite games is still unbelievably nerdy and cheesy, but still wanted to see it in the mainstream.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026
These polyester fits have also been parodied in video skits, where comedians put on an all-over polyester print outfit, like a wolf T-shirt and galaxy pants, and parody the stereotypical nerdy kid.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of nerdy

Adjective

Just as the geeky navel-gazing threatens to become tedious, a joke or a wink keeps the audience laughing and focused on the fantastical story Schoenbrun actually wants to tell—which isn’t a genuine slasher at all.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
A bit geeky and has achieved great things in his career, but could probably walk down the street and not be recognised.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of geeky

Adjective

Some are scholarly, some deliciously indiscreet, all are perceptive in one way or another, and one plunges wholesale into obsession.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
The menu is a scholarly affair, with drinks organized by decade and, beyond that, origin location.

— Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scholarly

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nerd

nerdish

nerds

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“Nerdish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerdish. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nerdish

adjective

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