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 Hamilton craved a broader intellectual tradition for his faith.

— Emma Green, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026
At the same time, their societies are also strengthened by their intellectual prowess.

— Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of intellectual

Adjective

Shy, nerdy and a pacifist by nature, Pavi has a personality, if one that’s still in formation.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
She is welcomed by other interns including the warm and fun Tabitha (Shrinking’s Lupita Maxwell) and nerdy Leonard (a funny Daniel Zolghadri), along with the more colorful Daphne (Iris Apatow).

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of nerdy

Adjective

Contemplate standard deviation, a geeky way to measure volatility.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of geeky

Adjective

The law does not apply to scholarly activities, student activities and groups or creative engagements, according to the 5th Circuit.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
The law does not apply to scholarly activities, student activities and groups or creative engagements, according to the Fifth Circuit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 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 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of nerdish

adjective

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