Nag

To annoy or irritate someone with persistent messages or demands, often in a repetitive or petty manner. The term can also refer to an ongoing concern or worry that occupies a person's mind, leading to a sense of unease or restlessness. In some contexts, it can describe a form of affectionate teasing or playful criticism aimed at someone close.

Nag meaning with examples

• My mother tends to nag me about my eating habits, constantly reminding me to eat more vegetables. While I understand her concern for my health, her persistent reminders can feel overwhelming. It's as if every family dinner comes with a side of guilt for not making the healthiest choices. Despite her good intentions, I often wish she would ease up a bit on the nagging.
• As a teacher, I find myself having to nag my students to complete their homework on time. Though I want to encourage independence, I also realize that without reminders, some students might forget or misplace their assignments. I try to strike a balance between guidance and autonomy, but my repeated prompts often lead to resistance and eye rolls from the class.
• My roommate loves to nag me about keeping the apartment clean. Often, she leaves little notes on the fridge about doing the dishes or organizing the living room. While I appreciate her desire for a tidy space, sometimes her constant reminders feel more like a chore than a shared responsibility. I try to contribute, but her incessant nagging can be exhausting.
• Whenever my partner and I discuss future plans, I find myself nagging him about making decisions. Whether it's about vacations, financial planning, or even dinner choices, he often hesitates. I don't mean to be annoying; I'm just eager to nail down a plan. However, I notice that my repeated questioning sometimes pushes him away instead of encouraging him to engage.

Nag Synonyms

agitate, annoy, badger, bother, complain, disturb, fret, grate, harass, hound, importune, irritate, nagging, pester, provoke, tease, torment, trouble, vex, worry

Nag Antonyms

appease, assist, calm, comfort, comforting, console, encourage, facilitate, help, inspire, motivate, pacify, reassure, relax, satisfy, settle, soothe, steadfast, support, uplift

Nag Crossword Answers

3 Letters

BUG, VEX

4 Letters

PONY, CARP, PECK, HACK, JADE, PLUG, FUSS, CRAB, RIDE

5 Letters

HOUND, SHREW, HORSE, SCOLD

6 Letters

WHINER, PESTER, NOODGE, DOBBIN, BADGER, CARPER, NEEDLE, NAGGER, HARASS, FUSSAT, GADFLY, BOTHER

7 Letters

HENPECK, SCOLDER

8 Letters

PESTERER, BROWBEAT

9 Letters

RACEHORSE, TERMAGANT

11 Letters

COMMONSCOLD, FAULTFINDER