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 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
  1. curious
  2. busy
  3. inquisitive
  4. officious
  5. annoying
  6. meddlesome
Adjective
  • The best hobbies are the ones that keep you curious, connected, creative, and moving long before retirement.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 July 2026
  • One curious thing Pragiwaksono has had to adjust to is the two-drink minimum.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of curious
Adjective
  • India’s busiest wedding and festive season typically runs from October to April, timed with auspicious dates and favorable weather.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • The model and entrepreneur has spent years of her extremely busy life rebranding flip-flops from beach-only footwear to a gleaming symbol of elevated personal style.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 30 July 2026
Definition of busy
Adjective
  • Growing out of your expert image means becoming the most inquisitive and empowering person in the room instead of the most impressive one.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • With his caring heart, inquisitive mind, and joyful spirit, Adam has so much to offer.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 29 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
  • In The Athletic’s anonymous annual player poll, he has been voted the NFL’s biggest trash talker and most annoying player.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The problem is with my stepson’s parents-in-law, both of whom are lovely but annoying.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 29 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nosy for Spanish Speakers

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