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 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

Adjective

Research shows that a curious mindset can cultivate positive emotions and reduce worry.

— Juli Fraga, Time, 29 Oct. 2026
None of my companions, mostly ocean-curious thirty-something Californians from the Bay and beyond, have been urchin foraging before, but their coolers and bags are soon brimming.

— Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of curious

Adjective

More than 100 people were killed and 113 others were wounded on Monday in a Sudanese military drone strike on a busy market in Nyala, the capital of the South Darfur province, said Emergency Lawyers, a rights group tracking violence.

— YASSIR ABDALLA, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
But the company thinks its initial bet on infrastructure inspection will keep it busy for the foreseeable future.

— Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 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

After five years in development at Retro Studios, the original makers of the Metroid Prime series, fans were greeted with annoying side characters, a bike for Samus to roam the barren landscape on, and a deeply unsatisfying ending.

— Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
The truth, and its handling, hangs over the show, which must be annoying for those involved, and simultaneously is why many people bought tickets.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 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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Style

“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of nosy

adjective

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