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
At Calder Gardens, art, architecture, and horticulture achieve a well-nigh perfect equilibrium.
—
Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025
The journey along the Gemini, which measured only 18 feet and five inches from bow to stern, proved to be well-nigh impossible.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025
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
Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025
The journey along the Gemini, which measured only 18 feet and five inches from bow to stern, proved to be well-nigh impossible.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-nigh
Adverb
-
But tropical activity that year, fueled by record warm oceans, ended up above-normal, defying almost all early forecasts.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Expect the 6,100-person stadium to hit capacity in hopes of an Aggies upset and some revenge against a coach who almost led A&M to a national title then left for their rival.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
With the simple flick of a switch, your garbage disposal can make practically any post-meal clean-up a breeze.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
12 Apr. 2026
-
On Thursday, April 8, Taylor Swift stepped out in New York City in an outfit practically made for her Bridal Era.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The highest occupancy is Thursday, when nearly 68% of rooms are booked so far, Ivery said.—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The nearly 3-minute song promotes confidence and self-expression with an upbeat tune.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Its ensemble approach — rotating in high-profile guest stars alongside a deep regular cast — generated acting nominations in virtually every season of its run.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
-
In the 2008–09 financial crisis, the government provided enormous support to large financial institutions but virtually none to small businesses, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of many such businesses and their employees, and millions of everyday, hard-working Americans.—
Robert Hormats,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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