as in almost
very close to but not completely
it was well-nigh dark, but I could still see a little
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Recent Examples of well-nigh
Right now, though, a coherent A.I. policy seems well-nigh inconceivable.
—
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-nigh
Adverb
-
Veterans Day is almost here and there are plenty of freebies and discounts available for retired and active-duty military service members.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has received more of the benefit of the doubt, though the Irish almost certainly can’t lose again, either.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
If your favorite thing about the season is apple picking, this wreath was practically made for you.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
11 Nov. 2025
-
But her throne was practically washed away when her late husband Skeet (Bruce Dern) bequeathed his estate to his daughter, Linda (Laura Dern).—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Döpfner nearly bought the FT in 2015, before losing it to Nikkei, and took a controlling stake in Business Insider — at the top of the new media market — for $343 million.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
There’s a close call when Dick opens the cargo door and nearly jumps out of the plane, but Leroy stops him just in time.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
At a time when virtually every door to opportunity was shut to African Americans, Robeson (1898-1976) achieved enormous feats – becoming a star football player at Rutgers and later earning his law degree from Columbia University while playing in the nascent NFL.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
-
On April 24, George Stinney faced a sham trial virtually alone.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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