nosy

adjective

ˈnō-zē How to pronounce nosy (audio)
variants or nosey
Definition of nosynext
1
as in curious
interested in what is not one's own business nosy in-laws asking about our finances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in busy
thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited a nosy coworker sat down right next to us as we were having an unmistakably private conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 nosy Much of the comedy came from the multi-generational family dynamics, as Ray's nosy parents lived right across the street. — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 The long lawn to the south remained mostly off-limits—but not for security reasons so much as keeping nosy tourists away from the first family. — Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 This will keep out nosy children and pets. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026 These beauties can also function as secret storage solutions thanks to a door bolt that will keep nosy guests away. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nosy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nosy
  1. curious
  2. busy
  3. inquisitive
  4. officious
  5. annoying
  6. meddlesome
Adjective
  • Though older and a bit more modern than the iconically curious and headstrong original, she has not been updated with contemporary attitudes.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • For over 157 years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has been the South’s source for culture, community and news for curious minds.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of curious
Adjective
  • The Pierside in Santa Monica has been exceptionally busy during the World Cup, with many tourists opting to stay near the beach despite the longer trek to SoFi Stadium where the games are held.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Journey actually has a live stream of the beach in one of the community areas, which is a good way to check how busy the beaches are before heading out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of busy
Adjective
  • If American music in 1976 represented a collective, inquisitive, inventive American spirit of discovery, the semiquincentennial in the age of social media has become more about the individual identity.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Powell was one of scores of Taylor Swift fans and inquisitive passersby who braved the New York City heat Thursday to satiate their curiosity about what many are calling the wedding of the century and the American equivalent of royal nuptials.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of inquisitive
Adjective
  • Ambivalent about leaving Wisconsin, Caroline is befriended by the officious Jemma James (Mary Holland), whose husband, Eli (Michael Hough), is a railroad man.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026
  • The former is heralded with a blast of horns; the latter guards its inner sanctum behind Tobie Windham’s officious sentry.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of officious
Adjective
  • This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
  • This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of annoying
Adjective
  • The unit's playing time in those games had been limited by a combination of blowouts (wins and losses), minute restrictions (Aaron Gordon) and meddlesome minor injuries (Jamal Murray's ankle and shoulder).
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Woody Johnson is known to be meddlesome, impatient and easily influenced by headlines.
    — The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of meddlesome

Browse Nearby Words

no sweat
nosy
not
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Cite this Entry

“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nosy for Spanish Speakers

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