1
as in brushing
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing
accidentally nudged me as they squeezed past
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urging
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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of nudging
The morning favors slow starts, nudging us to notice needs early and respond without wasting time.
—
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
The speedy little Mercedes slipped beneath the truck, nudging it lightly in the belly, and contracted, crushing within itself two male bodies slack with drink and sleep.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
California’s declines can be more properties for sale, nudging sellers to compete on price, and a wobbly economy scaring off some potential buyers.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
Igor Thiago loves running into space, nudging his marker into irrelevance and finishing.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Your 9th House of Exploration takes focus as the vibrant Sun squares tender Chiron, nudging you to test a belief by practicing it in decisions.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2026
With charming Venus in your subtle 12th house nudging lucky Jupiter in your dutiful 6th house, your time will be best spent in quiet, practical actions.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
With food inflation nudging menu prices higher, and GLP-1s transforming eating habits, a pizzeria’s true takeout rival may no longer be the other Tony’s across the street, but rather the nutrient-rich bowl slop from Uber Eats.
—Molly Liebergall, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Family has become the top reason for moving nationally, nudging out jobs, which were the main motivator before the pandemic, Cummings said.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
The speedy little Mercedes slipped beneath the truck, nudging it lightly in the belly, and contracted, crushing within itself two male bodies slack with drink and sleep.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
California’s declines can be more properties for sale, nudging sellers to compete on price, and a wobbly economy scaring off some potential buyers.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
Igor Thiago loves running into space, nudging his marker into irrelevance and finishing.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Your 9th House of Exploration takes focus as the vibrant Sun squares tender Chiron, nudging you to test a belief by practicing it in decisions.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2026
With charming Venus in your subtle 12th house nudging lucky Jupiter in your dutiful 6th house, your time will be best spent in quiet, practical actions.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
With food inflation nudging menu prices higher, and GLP-1s transforming eating habits, a pizzeria’s true takeout rival may no longer be the other Tony’s across the street, but rather the nutrient-rich bowl slop from Uber Eats.
—Molly Liebergall, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Family has become the top reason for moving nationally, nudging out jobs, which were the main motivator before the pandemic, Cummings said.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nudging
Verb
-
His wife of fifty years, Mona, who was seated beside him, emerged from the wreck shaken but seemingly unharmed, brushing off a small bump on her brow.—
Shannon Taggart,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Use a broom or other implement to remove snow from shrubs by brushing upward.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The nonprofit is urging donors to make an appointment to give blood or to go to a blood drive.—
Ciara McCarthy
January 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Earlier this week, 60 CEOs in Minnesota wrote a letter published by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce urging deescalation.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Onscreen, Benedict apologizes for kissing Sophie during a moment of passion near the cottage and reiterates his intent to find work for her without ever uttering the word mistress.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
30 Jan. 2026
-
They had been caught hugging and kissing in a public bathroom.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The company shares live trades and commentary with members, encouraging them to study entries, exits, and risk levels as markets move.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Each room offered a distinct sonic environment, encouraging guests to explore and engage with the artworks.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nudging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nudging. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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