WELL-NIGH Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

well-nigh

adverb

ˈwel-ˈnī

Definition of well-nigh

as in almost

very close to but not completely it was well-nigh dark, but I could still see a little

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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 well-nigh Cameron keeps upping the ante, until one becomes convinced the T-1000 is well-nigh invincible. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 For his part, MLS commissioner Don Garber’s off-the-cuff take was well-nigh poetic. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026 At Calder Gardens, art, architecture, and horticulture achieve a well-nigh perfect equilibrium. — Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025 The journey along the Gemini, which measured only 18 feet and five inches from bow to stern, proved to be well-nigh impossible. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025 In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-nigh

Adverb

Brentford have almost qualified for Europe in the past two seasons.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Carley Garner, a commodity market strategist and broker at DeCarley Trading, said smaller futures and oil ETFs such as the United States Oil Fund (ticker USO) have made speculation possible for traders at almost any level of experience or funding.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of almost

Adverb

This $6 high-neck tank is a layering staple (under a polka-dot cardigan, perhaps), while this chambray button-down is practically begging to be worn at the pumpkin patch.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Yet, in her relatively short career, practically every accomplishment of Eala’s comes with a historic superlative.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of practically

Adverb

This also includes the largest American variant, the western mastiff, with a wingspan of nearly two feet, and the smallest, the thumb-sized, nickel-weighing western pipistrelle, also called the canyon bat.

— Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
In a Facebook post with nearly 500 likes and 40 comments as of Friday afternoon, the Gagnons spoke about their experience establishing the brewery and its part in the local community.

— John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of nearly

Adverb

Satellite imagery showed virtually nothing remaining of the post, which is a significant hub for trade and tourism.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
The five-week assault at the beginning of the war wiped out Iran's limited air force, including its air defenses, and virtually all of its navy, aside from small speed boats.

— Greg Myre, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of virtually

Browse Nearby Words

wellness

well-nigh

well-off

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“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of well-nigh

adverb

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