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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nudge
Alex Harris
updated September 28, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
While the Eyeball’s means of getting into a host may be violent, so far its most destructive acts have come in the form of a nudge.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Its success nudged competitors to make their own EVs more enticing, and Tesla capitalized on its head start, continuing to develop its tech and create new cars, including 2017’s Model 3, which also made TIME’s list.
—Merrill Fabry, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nudge
Verb
The last major forecast update also included another nudge of the track to the south and east, increasing the distance from the Florida coast.
—Alex Harris
updated September 28, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
While the Eyeball’s means of getting into a host may be violent, so far its most destructive acts have come in the form of a nudge.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
The optimal strike zones, marked as bright crosshairs in the model, show where a spacecraft could nudge an asteroid's orbit away from Earth without triggering a dangerous return later on.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Its success nudged competitors to make their own EVs more enticing, and Tesla capitalized on its head start, continuing to develop its tech and create new cars, including 2017’s Model 3, which also made TIME’s list.
—Merrill Fabry, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudge
Verb
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For example, Croley said dentists can advise habit changes to relieve the symptoms, like better brushing and flossing techniques, different treatments or even drinking more water to relieve dry mouth.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
20 Oct. 2025
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For her hair, Giannetos leaned into the striking shapes of couture dressing, with high-volume curls brushed out and styled into a deep side part.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Roughly 500 celebrities and Hollywood artists signed the Artists4Ceasefire petition in 2023; dozens of industry A-listers signed an Artists4Ceasefire letter addressed to then-President Biden, urging the White House for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire.—
Elizabeth Wagmeister,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
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What Happens Next The FDA has urged consumers to follow recall instructions and dispose of affected shrimp promptly.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Wander is accused of lying to lenders and investors, not policyholders, but the case is likely to focus more attention on Wall Street’s insurance push.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
18 Oct. 2025
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Through six weeks, Philadelphia’s front can’t produce a push and Saquon Barkley looks less than explosive.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Other poses featured Bieber kissing Kardashian on the cheek and the latter sensually brushing a rose against the former’s face.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
15 Oct. 2025
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Looking for a vacation that involves plenty of sand between your toes, fantastic seafood, and the perfect ocean breeze kissing your cheek?—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.—
Christopher Kamrani,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Stop Sales sent the raw chicken, cut cow foot and jerk sauce into the garbage.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
20 Oct. 2025
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Because even in a world of monsters, ghouls, and greedy jerks, the good guys still prevail.—
Gwen Ihnat,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Do not touch those children, and do not touch Maeve!—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2025
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Danielle's content has touched on her shift from a job in corporate America to her space in the lifestyle influencer world.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nudge. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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