nag
9 synonyms for nag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To repeatedly pester or criticize someone about something, in an annoying way.
Synonyms
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To repeatedly pester or criticize someone about something, in an annoying way.
“She kept nagging him to clean his room.”
How to use nag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
nag someone about
a nagging doubt
stop nagging
Etymology
From Middle English nagge, meaning a small horse or pony, possibly related to "neigh."
Full origin of nag →Frequently asked questions
What does “nag” mean?
The word “nag” means to repeatedly pester or criticize someone about something, in an annoying way. In plain terms, to keep bothering someone with repeated reminders or complaints — or, as a noun, an old horse.
How do you pronounce “nag”?
“Nag” is pronounced NAG (/ˈnæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “nag” in a sentence?
Here is “nag” used in a sentence: “She kept nagging him to clean his room.”
What part of speech is “nag”?
Depending on how it is used, “nag” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “nag” come from?
The word “nag” comes from Middle English. From Middle English nagge, meaning a small horse or pony, possibly related to "neigh.".
Is “nag” a common word?
“Nag” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nag” have?
“Nag” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to repeatedly pester or criticize someone about something, in an annoying way.
