nudge
10 synonyms and 2 antonyms for nudge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To push someone or something gently, often to get their attention.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To push someone or something gently, often to get their attention.
“She nudged him under the table to stop him mentioning the surprise.”
Opposites
How to use nudge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a gentle nudge
nudge someone
need a nudge
Etymology
Dates from around the 17th century, likely related to Scandinavian words for "push" or "rub," such as Norwegian nugge.
Full origin of nudge →Frequently asked questions
What does “nudge” mean?
The word “nudge” means to push someone or something gently, often to get their attention. In plain terms, a light push, physically or as a gentle hint or reminder.
How do you pronounce “nudge”?
“Nudge” is pronounced nuhj (/nʌd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “nudge” in a sentence?
Here is “nudge” used in a sentence: “She nudged him under the table to stop him mentioning the surprise.”
What is another word for “nudge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “nudge” include bump, disrupt, disturb, jog, poke and push.
What is the opposite of “nudge”?
The opposite of “nudge” — its antonyms — are pull and tug.
What part of speech is “nudge”?
Depending on how it is used, “nudge” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “nudge” come from?
The word “nudge” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Norwegian. Dates from around the 17th century, likely related to Scandinavian words for "push" or "rub," such as Norwegian nugge.
Is “nudge” a common word?
“Nudge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
