wonk

noun

ˈwäŋk How to pronounce wonk (audio)
Definition of wonknext
as in nerd
a person slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits the candidate has an army of policy wonks ready to write for him a position paper on virtually any issue

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wonk Unlike some of the policy wonks and academics who opine about teen takeovers, Johnson has dealt directly with these kids. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 Some may not be obvious to the casual observer, or even to savvy energy wonks. — Alexandra Klass, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 Elon Musk, Elizabeth Warren and lots of policy wonks have suggestions to help workers hit by automation. — Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 2 June 2026 Stearns’ reputation is that of a wonk. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wonk
  1. nerd
  2. geek
Noun
  • The iPhone has been the same for so long that being forced to come up with little moves and tricks and ways to think about holding the Duo is a gadget nerd thrill.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Harbach is a gifted observer of undergraduates, their pathos and their comedy, but his Westish is a gentle and perhaps too-good-natured institution, where even the jocks are nerds.
    — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of nerd
Noun
  • In recent weeks, a number of states have been winning multibillion-dollar settlements from the computer geeks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Sure, something interesting might eventually happen, but no one outside of a few Canadian space geeks was paying much attention.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of geek

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wonk
wonks
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Cite this Entry

“Wonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wonk. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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