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 Many hedges, bushes, and trees can block sight lines, so even the nosiest of neighbors will be forced to mind their own business. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 The trouble is not TMI but TLI Another falsehood standing in the way of feeling loved is the presumption that asking questions will seem nosy. — Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 16 June 2026 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 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
  • The protagonist, Michael, whose Chinese identity has been eroded by successive generations, is desperately curious about Kun’s dad.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But woodpeckers don’t live in Hawaii, where biologists are investigating a curious bird that takes up a similar ecological niche—with its own unique twist.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of curious
Adjective
  • Depending on how they're layered, vests can transform a busy outfit into a clean one, or a bland outfit into something with more personality.
    — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 5 Nov. 2026
  • As busy as the multi-hyphenate keeps herself, Martina’s family has always come first.
    — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of busy
Adjective
  • He’ll be assisted by his pal, the somewhat more purposeful Lietenant Sam Weinberg (Nick Blaemire) and the passionately inquisitive internal affairs officer Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway (Rodriguez).
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In the first, a best-selling mystery author dies, and Benoit Blanc, a charismatic and inquisitive private eye played by Daniel Craig, must investigate.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 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
  • That means lagless, stutter-free gameplay that all but eliminates annoying screen tearing.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Only Brady, Carer, Lewis, and Thien An, an unlikely coalition, vote for Eric, with the rest deciding that Brady, whose strength carried them through the tribe challenges, was just too volatile and annoying to take any further in the game.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 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

“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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