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
Relevance
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
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
-
The ancient cave dwellings carved into the ravine called the sassi can be explored on foot for free — perfect for curious kids who love to climb and explore.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Mar. 2026
-
One of the most fundamental and curious mysteries in the universe is the fact that anything exists at all.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Morales commented on the incident happening during a busy weekend in the city, which includes Ultra, a concert at the Kaseya Center, and the Marlins' opening weekend.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Let that passion carry you through the busier stretches.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Soon a tunnel between the ships, then a meeting, with a friendly, inquisitive alien who looks like a sort of craggy spider/crab, whom Grace dubs Rocky.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The inquisitive student was not a student at all, but a woman from Philadelphia named Bonnie Raines.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Her Southern accent is slightly clipped and officious, the type of drawl that’s a stamp of a suburban upbringing.—
Alex Morris,
Rolling Stone,
19 Mar. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Food allergy safety is now being treated as a pillar of hospitality, not an inconvenience or an annoying exception.—
K. H. Koehler,
Ascend Agency,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Everybody’s a critic, and critics can be very annoying.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The fact is, in a newsroom full of meddlesome, sometimes pushy people, Beverly was none of that.—
Brad Schmitt,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Oct. 2025
-
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 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
