variants
or nosey
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
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Recent Examples of nosy
Elmarie Wendel's character, Mamie Dubcek, the Solomons’ loud, nosy and surprisingly big-hearted landlady, was a fan-favorite.
—
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
From the outside looking in, nosy folks sight couples who scored a seat on the river-facing side—and in real time, perhaps, all falling more in love with each other.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Like your nosiest neighbor, furniture layouts have a knack for overstaying their welcome.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026
This will keep out nosy children and pets.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nosy
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
From the outside looking in, nosy folks sight couples who scored a seat on the river-facing side—and in real time, perhaps, all falling more in love with each other.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Like your nosiest neighbor, furniture layouts have a knack for overstaying their welcome.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026
This will keep out nosy children and pets.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nosy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nosy
Adjective
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For readers who are ambivalent, prospective, prickly, curious, on the fence, or just plain interested in what’s possible.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
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As someone who’s curious about lightweight backpacking but unwilling to leave behind my 350-page novel, cutting my pack’s base weight could be my window into the ultralight world.—
Amelia Arvesen,
Outside,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some passengers have been arriving even earlier in Atlanta -- one of the world's busiest airports -- spooked about missing flights because of delays.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
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One of the busier zones was at the Boardwalk Shops entrance where dozens of people were seen lining up to receive their registration materials, maps and wine glasses.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Scrub jays are very smart and inquisitive, and the jay’s interest in your house might just be curiosity over the new structure.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Written and illustrated by Lisa Horstman On a camping trip with her parents in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an inquisitive girl slips out of her tent to explore after dark and stumbles upon the lively scene of a salamander ball.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The former is the nerdier, more officious type in his bow tie and sport coat, the latter more rakish, a one-time rabble rouser who’s just happy to have something interesting to do.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
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Fast & Furious is notable for adding the character Gisele (Gal Gadot) and smaller players like Shea Whigham's officious Stasiak.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Everybody’s a critic, and critics can be very annoying.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
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The former, which would prohibit defense contractors from using Claude in their government workflows, was annoying for Anthropic, but endurable.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The fact is, in a newsroom full of meddlesome, sometimes pushy people, Beverly was none of that.—
Brad Schmitt,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Oct. 2025
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The special ops unit chases every lead possible, from bribes to Mexican drug cartels, a meddlesome L.A. District Attorney (Merrick McCartha) and corruption in the government of Belarus.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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