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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 question nagged at me for months; no single explanation—psychological, political, or otherwise—felt completely satisfying. — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 His advice for a session is to chase whatever task is nagging at you, but resist the temptation to sneak in actual work. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nag

Noun

Saldaña, 48, explained how during filming the cast would train together, go to concerts, ride horses and even spend Thanksgiving together.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Farms bring to mind the smell of hay, the sound of gravel crunching underfoot, horses snorting, grass swaying in the rolling fields, and the vast expanse of the star-studded sky.

— Jeffrey Dungan, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of horse

Verb

In the filing, the Justice Department urged the appeals court to reverse the Tennessee federal judge’s ruling dismissing criminal charges against Abrego Garcia.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Anyone who can provide a tip in connection with Standish is urged to call 651-438-8477 or fill out a form on the sheriff's office website.

— Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of urge

Verb

Kayley starts service with a positive attitude, hoping to give the guests no reason to complain.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
That Sean Payton won by 20 on the road and still spent a good chunk of his postgame presser either complaining, yammering about Jack Lemmon, or both, is a heck of a good sign.

— Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of complain

Verb

By summer, buds cover the plant and, soon, soft, layered blossoms are begging you to cut them for the perfect bouquet.

— Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Canada and New England fall foliage sailings and sunny South Pacific routes are other itineraries that practically beg for a balcony stateroom.

— Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of beg

Verb

She was awakened in the middle of the night by her barking dog and the sound of a woman screaming in the street.

— City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Audio from her cousin's phone call to the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service captured 15-year-old Layan describing the chaotic scene around her, amid the sound of gunfire and screaming, before the call dropped.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scream

Verb

Contreras rarely takes days off but asked for a day off Sunday with his leg bothering him.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Chapman won’t play another game for the Giants this year after undergoing core muscle surgery earlier this week, but the 33-year-old has finally addressed an ailment that’s bothered him for effectively the whole season.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of bother

Verb

But in recent years it has been dogged by questions about its culture, approach to complaints handling, and use of non-disclosure agreements.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
The moves come as 311 has received nearly 3,000 complaints related to dog waste citywide so far this year, including a significant spike after the lengthy, lingering snow pileups this winter.

— Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of dog

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Style

“Nag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nag. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nag

noun

verb

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