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
The couple couldn’t risk sending their event programs to be printed at a copier shop in case a nosy shop worker snuck a photo of the nuptial details to a reporter.
—
Kate Storey, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Other states have increasingly weighed how to shield their residents from the consequences of invisible but ever-growing mountains of information amassed by smartphone apps, traffic cameras and nosy household appliances.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
The film allows the viewer to be nosy and get a sense of what other people consider desirable living conditions.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
This is a great book for anyone who’s both nosy and curious, and for anyone who may have been blindsided by a divorce or break-up themselves.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nosy
Kate Storey, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Other states have increasingly weighed how to shield their residents from the consequences of invisible but ever-growing mountains of information amassed by smartphone apps, traffic cameras and nosy household appliances.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
The film allows the viewer to be nosy and get a sense of what other people consider desirable living conditions.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
This is a great book for anyone who’s both nosy and curious, and for anyone who may have been blindsided by a divorce or break-up themselves.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nosy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nosy
Adjective
-
In the following chapters of Quand j’étais photographe, Nadar plays on the rhetorical and material slipperiness of invention to craft a curious portrait of photography’s first fifty-odd years.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
-
After a series of historical reissues, this curious release gives us Sonic Youth in something of present tense.—
Stephen M. Deusner,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lucas Giolito had a busy first full day in the Padres organization.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
As always, our NASCAR experts, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, took time out of their busy schedules to answer all our Talladega questions.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite his detractors, Kempthorne remained inquisitive and open to conversation, and also prone to an independent streak, Rick Johnson, former longtime executive director of the Idaho Conservation League, told the Idaho Statesman.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
25 Apr. 2026
-
While figs are generally considered deer-resistant, young trees may still face damage from inquisitive deer.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
14 Apr. 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
-
Your husband’s petty desire to be right about everything is understandably annoying and somewhat typical behavior.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Dealing with frost on your car may be a nuisance in the winter, but seeds, leaves, and flower petals can be equally as annoying in spring.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Woody Johnson is known to be meddlesome, impatient and easily influenced by headlines.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nosy. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
