1
as in brushed
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 urged
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
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Recent Examples of nudged
The complex may actually have aggravated the city’s housing woes, since its presence has reportedly nudged up rents and attracted real-estate speculators.
—
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
Since 1851, the Charles Street Jail was an eyesore in Boston nudged between Massachusetts General Hospital, the Charles River, and the charming streets of Beacon Hill.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Steve Guttenberg To many, Steve Guttenberg will always be known as Police Academy’s Carey Mahoney, a rebellious but likable small-time crook who gets nudged into joining the force.
—Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026
Amazon left its full-year spending outlook at $200 billion and Alphabet nudged up its capex 2026 guidance to $180 billion and $190 billion.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 20 May 2026
But the Karl-Anthony Towns trade on the eve of training camp brought in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, a two-for-one swap that nudged Ingles out of his potential spot in the rotation.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
Trump’s meeting with President Xi may present an opportunity for Beijing to be quietly nudged into action over the Middle East conflict.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 May 2026
Later, when the oldest hit her mid-teens and eventually went off to college, the two boys were nudged into leadership roles of their own and nominally put in charge of the youngest kid, a sister.
—Andre Mouchard, Daily News, 9 May 2026
Hawkers hitched boxes higher and nudged each other to behold the spirited pregnant woman.
—‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
Since 1851, the Charles Street Jail was an eyesore in Boston nudged between Massachusetts General Hospital, the Charles River, and the charming streets of Beacon Hill.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Steve Guttenberg To many, Steve Guttenberg will always be known as Police Academy’s Carey Mahoney, a rebellious but likable small-time crook who gets nudged into joining the force.
—Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026
Amazon left its full-year spending outlook at $200 billion and Alphabet nudged up its capex 2026 guidance to $180 billion and $190 billion.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 20 May 2026
But the Karl-Anthony Towns trade on the eve of training camp brought in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, a two-for-one swap that nudged Ingles out of his potential spot in the rotation.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
Trump’s meeting with President Xi may present an opportunity for Beijing to be quietly nudged into action over the Middle East conflict.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 May 2026
Later, when the oldest hit her mid-teens and eventually went off to college, the two boys were nudged into leadership roles of their own and nominally put in charge of the youngest kid, a sister.
—Andre Mouchard, Daily News, 9 May 2026
Hawkers hitched boxes higher and nudged each other to behold the spirited pregnant woman.
—‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudged
Verb
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But officials and executives brushed off regional tensions and security implications, insisting that the ferry is just for tourism.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
-
Morris said Taylor accidentally brushed against Coles, and that Lisa attempted to de-escalate the situation.—
Maveah Griffith,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
Verb
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In an attempt at shoring up the currency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month urged citizens to pause gold purchases, conserve fuel, and avoid overseas travel.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
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Advocates urged the Legislature to pass the ordinance after waiting for months and have long pushed for improved conditions inside the old facility.—
Ben Wheeler
June 4,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Gabriel kissed the girls who stepped on the red dot (Beatriz, Trinity) while Kayda kissed the boys who did the same (Zach, Bryce).—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
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Lines by his eyes, a crease off his smile, shadowy grey hair, trimmed neat — but a well-aged man at 60, skin kissed by the Florida sun.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Anyone walking past the mini gallery is encouraged to take what speaks to them, and to even drop off bits of their own work.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2026
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Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nudged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nudged. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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