nickname 1 of 2

noun

ˈnik-ˌnām How to pronounce nickname (audio)
Definition of nicknamenext
as in moniker
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual his wavy hair earned him the nickname "Curly" early in life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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nickname

2 of 2

verb

as in to code-name

Related Words

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 nickname
Noun
People magazine has taken the discussion national, with a story asserting that the nickname is here to stay. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 Her brother, Armando Silva, calls her Gabriela, but the rest of their family has a nickname for her. — Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Lunar Outpost's rover, nicknamed Pegasus, is lighter and can travel about three mph faster. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 May 2026 The whale, affectionately nicknamed Timmy, was rescued and subsequently stranded several times during his stint in the public eye. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nickname
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nickname
  1. moniker
  2. rename
  3. epithet
  4. miscall
  5. surname
  6. misname
  7. specify
  8. denote
Noun
  • At this early juncture, the O’Hare Flyer needs a Chicago train daddy, to borrow the moniker famously given to the British transit executive Andy Byford, who now is leading the overhaul of New York’s Penn Station.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike Pluto's naming, when the public suggested monikers for the new planet, the public didn't participate in the scientific process of its recategorization.
    — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of moniker
Verb
  • Online mapping service MapQuest joined the conversation by inviting users to rename the lake themselves.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Trump previously issued an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, but many still use the original name.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rename
Noun
  • The raid drew criticism over separating families, and a group of Idahoans sued, saying officers hurled racial epithets and largely withheld water, food, bathrooms and medical care.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Hochman detailed a number of prosecutions, including the sentence of one man to a life sentence plus seven years with the possibility of parole for a March 23 attack, during which racial epithets were uttered.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of epithet
Verb
  • Nearly every major polling outfit miscalled the 2016 Presidential race.
    — Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2020
Definition of miscall
Noun
  • Pegula was born in South Korea, where Kim is also a popular surname.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • How many married women have been known for 10, 20, 30, 40 years by their husband’s surname?
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of surname
Verb
  • In some cases, police and lawyers inflict further harm by misgendering and misnaming victims.
    — Kristin Lam, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2019
  • In some editions, a story that began on the cover about the central SoMa development lawsuit settlement misnamed a nonprofit developer hoping to build affordable housing in South of Market.
    — SFChronicle.com, SFChronicle.com, 1 Oct. 2019
Definition of misname
Verb
  • The suit does not specify how much of the $4 million worth of gas went to Freedom Fuel stations or indicate whether the stations have a relationship with KRSM or Kazmi.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of sending vague meeting invites, specify the topic so employees do not default to anxiety.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • The Ordinary denotes this serum as a high-strength retinol formula suitable for people who have already built up a tolerance to lower-concentration retinol products, such as the brand’s beginner and intermediate serums.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Eligible cars would receive special license plates denoting the car as a historic vehicle and be insured as collector motor vehicles.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of denote

Browse Nearby Words

nicking (at)
nickname
nicknamed
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Cite this Entry

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

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