NOSEY Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

nosy

adjective

ˈnō-zē

variants or nosey

Definition of nosy

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business nosy in-laws asking about our finances

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 However, French cuisine, a 1950s horror movie and a nosy hotel employee interrupt their stay. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 17 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for nosy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nosy

Adjective

Her 10-week trial was held in a small town in rural Victoria that was inundated with media crews and curious members of the public who queued for hours each day for a seat in the public gallery.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
His collection was less the product of some grand strategy than an extraordinarily long social life, a curious eye, and a healthy dose of pragmatism.

— Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of curious

Adjective

Perhaps a Sunday evening after peak usage time, before a busy week ahead.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
The incident comes as Colorado experiences a sharp increase in bear activity fueled by poor natural food conditions, prompting officials to urge people to take extra precautions during the busy late-summer season.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of busy

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

Dimes Square has like an annoying stereotype — people are kind of like, uh, jeans and a tank top.

— Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026
When Mel arrives, all hell breaks loose, but at least the perpetually charming Fisher is up for the task of playing someone who is both completely annoying and totally winning.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

The Greek myths are rife with petty and meddlesome deities squabbling, playing favorites, punishing harshly, and otherwise wreaking havoc on the lives of mortal men.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
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

Definition of meddlesome

Browse Nearby Words

no sweat

nosy

not

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nosy

adjective

Example Sentences

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