pry
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To inquire into someone else's private affairs in a nosy or unwelcome way.
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 pry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English prien, "to peer closely," of uncertain further origin.
Full origin of pry →Frequently asked questions
What does “pry” mean?
The word “pry” means to inquire into someone else's private affairs in a nosy or unwelcome way. In plain terms, to nosily ask about someone's private business, or to lever something open by force.
How do you pronounce “pry”?
“Pry” is pronounced preye (/pɹaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pry” in a sentence?
Here is “pry” used in a sentence: “I don't mean to pry, but is everything okay at home?”
What part of speech is “pry”?
Depending on how it is used, “pry” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pry” come from?
The word “pry” comes from Middle English. From Middle English prien, "to peer closely," of uncertain further origin.
How many meanings does “pry” have?
“Pry” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to inquire into someone else's private affairs in a nosy or unwelcome way.