OpenSynonym

nag

/næɡ/

VERB

1. To repeatedly remind or complain to someone annoyingly

To repeatedly urge, remind, or complain to someone about something, often in a persistent and irritating manner.

1.1. Repeatedly reminding or urging someone

Used when someone persistently reminds, pressures, or urges another person to do something, often despite the person's reluctance or awareness of the matter.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Her parents continued to nag her about finishing her homework.
  • He kept nagging his brother to return the borrowed bicycle.
  • The manager would constantly nag employees about meeting their deadlines.

Related Words

  • reminder
  • persistence
  • pressure
  • insistence
  • repetition
  • irritation
  • pestering
  • annoyance

1.2. Persistently criticizing or complaining

Used when someone repeatedly finds fault, expresses dissatisfaction, or complains about another person's behavior or circumstances.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He tends to nag about every little mistake instead of offering constructive advice.
  • She nagged her colleagues about the untidy office throughout the afternoon.
  • The customer continued to nag about the poor service despite receiving an explanation.

Related Words

1.3. Persistently bothering or irritating someone

Used when a person, situation, or recurring problem continually disturbs, annoys, or causes discomfort.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The persistent mosquito continued to nag the hikers throughout their journey.
  • The constant noise from the construction site began to nag the residents.
  • The software notification kept nagging users to install the latest update.

Related Words

  • annoyance
  • irritation
  • discomfort
  • disturbance
  • frustration
  • aggravation
  • exasperation

1.4. Causing persistent worry or mental distress

Used when a troubling thought, memory, doubt, or concern repeatedly occupies someone's mind and causes uneasiness.

Synonyms

  • worry
  • trouble
  • haunt
  • plague
  • prey on
  • torment
  • trouble one's mind

Antonyms

Examples

  • The unresolved question continued to nag at him long after the meeting ended.
  • A lingering sense of guilt nagged her throughout the journey.
  • The possibility of making the wrong decision began to nag at his mind.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A small horse or pony

A small horse, often used as a general or informal term for a riding or working horse.

2.1. Referring to a small horse

Used to describe a small horse or pony, particularly in informal or traditional usage.

Synonyms

  • pony
  • small horse
  • equine

Examples

  • The farmer rode an old nag along the narrow country road.
  • A gentle nag carried the children around the farm.
  • The stable housed several ponies and an elderly nag.

Related Words

2.2. Referring to an old or worn-out horse

Used, often disparagingly, to describe an old, tired, or inferior horse that is no longer considered useful or attractive.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The exhausted nag struggled to pull the carriage up the steep hill.
  • The traveler traded his worn-out nag for a stronger horse.
  • Despite its age, the old nag remained gentle and dependable.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A persistent complaint or reminder

A repeated complaint, criticism, or reminder that becomes irritating because it is expressed continually.

3.1. A repeated complaint or criticism

Used to describe an ongoing complaint or recurring expression of dissatisfaction about a particular issue.

Synonyms

Examples

  • His constant nag about the household expenses annoyed everyone.
  • She was tired of hearing the same nag about her spending habits.
  • The repeated nag about unfinished work made the meeting unpleasant.

Related Words

3.2. A persistent or bothersome reminder

Used to describe a recurring reminder or thought that continually draws attention to something that needs to be addressed.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The unfinished project was a constant nag at the back of his mind.
  • The recurring notification became an irritating nag on her computer screen.
  • The unpaid bill remained a nag that he could not ignore.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A persistent or troubling thought

An unpleasant thought, doubt, or worry that repeatedly occupies the mind and causes continuing uneasiness.

4.1. A recurring worry or concern

Used when a persistent thought or unresolved concern continues to trouble someone mentally, even when they try to ignore it.

Synonyms

Examples

  • A nag about his unfinished responsibilities stayed with him throughout the weekend.
  • She could not escape the nag that something important had been overlooked.
  • The nag of uncertainty made it difficult for him to concentrate.

Related Words