NAG Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

nag 1 of 2

noun

Definition of nag

as in horse

a large hoofed domestic animal that is used for carrying or drawing loads and for riding a poor farmer who could only afford one old nag

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nag

2 of 2

verb

ˈnag

as in to urge

to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders she kept nagging him to fix the furnace before the weather got any colder

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to complain

to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely if all you can do is nag, then you are of no use to this organization at all

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nag

Noun

But in the final moments, when Carol is back in her coach seat on the plane, something nags at her. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025 Darius Dotch has been invariably impressive on area stages over the past several years, but he’s handicapped by Shider making Hines’ husband a one-note nag. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025

Verb

The Dodgers have been adamant that Shohei Ohtani (nagging knee trouble) will return as a pitcher. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 On weekends, Nelson calls to make sure French has gotten up from bed and nags her to eat. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nag

Noun

The Lord of the Rings star has a habit of buying equine costars from his film sets, including three horses from Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026
Bucci has spent much of the year thinking not merely about producing results but about timing them — when to jump, when to rest, and when to leave a horse alone.

— Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of horse

Verb

The criticism then broadened, with Jewish leaders, museum donors and New York politicians publicly urging the museum to reconsider.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
The Sierra Club emailed notices to members last week urging them to enter the permit lottery again.

— Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of urge

Verb

The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

The title was the name of a red-haired, green-eyed young fan Parton met signing autographs, and the story of a woman begging a rival to leave her man alone.

— RJ Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Finally, after years of begging from golf fans, the PGA Tour is introducing match play to its postseason beginning in 2028.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of beg

Verb

Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
His career numbers – 24 touchdown passes against 22 interceptions – hardly scream program savior.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of scream

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nadirs

nag

nagged

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“Nag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nag. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of nag

noun

verb

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