budge
3 synonyms for budge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move even slightly, especially from a fixed position.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use budge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
won't budge
refuse to budge
budge an inch
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French "bouger" ("to move"), ultimately from Latin "bullire," meaning "to boil" or "bubble" — the same root that gives us "boil."
Full origin of budge →Frequently asked questions
What does “budge” mean?
The word “budge” means to move even slightly, especially from a fixed position. In plain terms, to move or change position or opinion, often used in the negative ("won't budge") to describe stubbornness.
How do you pronounce “budge”?
“Budge” is pronounced buhj (/bʌd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “budge” in a sentence?
Here is “budge” used in a sentence: “The stubborn old door wouldn't budge no matter how hard he pushed.”
What is another word for “budge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “budge” include shift.
What part of speech is “budge”?
“Budge” is a verb.
Where does the word “budge” come from?
The word “budge” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Middle French "bouger" ("to move"), ultimately from Latin "bullire," meaning "to boil" or "bubble" — the same root that gives us "boil.".
Is “budge” a common word?
“Budge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “budge” have?
“Budge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move even slightly, especially from a fixed position.
