1
as in to brush
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing
accidentally nudged me as they squeezed past
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
the car salesman nudged me into taking a test-drive, even though I had said that I was just looking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nudge
Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Netflix has also quietly been reshaping the economics of its service to nudge more people toward ads.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
If your mom is the type who puts everyone else first (so, most moms), this is a gentle nudge to do something purely for herself.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nudge
Verb
Use your spatula to nudge it into the corners and spread it into an even layer.
—Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Netflix has also quietly been reshaping the economics of its service to nudge more people toward ads.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Noun
There will be plenty of fuel for storms to tap into and explode in strength, but any storms will need a little nudge of energy to start developing in the first place.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
If your mom is the type who puts everyone else first (so, most moms), this is a gentle nudge to do something purely for herself.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudge
Verb
-
Lightly brush the tops with 1 tablespoon heavy cream and bake until deep golden brown and cooked through, about 15 minutes.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2026
-
New York — American shoppers are brushing off higher gas prices and finally spending money at Target again.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Direct Action Everywhere said the protest was part of an ongoing campaign urging Erewhon to stop selling products tied to factory farms where activists allege criminal animal abuse has occurred.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
20 May 2026
-
Anyone who suffered property damage from bullets outside of the immediate area of the house was urged to call Anaheim police.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
20 May 2026
Noun
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The retailer’s Simmer & Stir line — which includes pasta servers and other cookware tools — is part of a broader push to make the kitchen aisle feel less budget bin and more housewares department.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
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Add a serious, well-past-due modernization push, processing capacity, storage, precision farming, EU-standard systems, and total capital needs plausibly rise to $90-100 billion.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Even with the windows open all the way, the heat is hugging us, kissing us, pinching our cheeks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Do not kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, especially the chicks.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Verb
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The sleek black straps instantly make the Birkenstock Arizona Softbed Birk-flo Sandals feel a little more sleek, while the roomy design encourages a more natural stride during long sightseeing days.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
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Customer loyalty programs can be powerful tools for encouraging repeat business, deepening customer relationships and giving brands a more direct way to stay connected with their audiences.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Search the internet and there are coaches and players spotted sniffing the ammonia inhalants before a game, with their instant reactions — a noticeable head jerk or contorted face — going viral.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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Hethington didn’t want to cannibalize his menu with the dish, instead compromising with a jerk lamb shank, and a whole Chinese Trini chicken, an homage to the popular takeout food in Trinidad.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The goal is to remove the pieces without touching the metal edges, which triggers a buzzer and a flashing red nose.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
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Another photo showed Andrew touching the woman’s abdomen.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nudge. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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