nicknames 1 of 2

noun

plural of nickname
as in monikers
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

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nicknames

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of nickname
as in code-names

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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 nicknames
Noun
Soon, Senior is the new leader of his son’s gang, winning hearts and minds with ’Nam stories and chummy nicknames. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026 And residents have given their homes whimsical nicknames such as Sea Urchin, Surf Song and A Whistle Away. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Some of the stories behind the nicknames are better than the actual nicknames. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026 Boston sets the futility bar The current Atlanta Braves were known by an array of nicknames during their streak of four straight 100-loss seasons from 1909-12, including the Doves, Nationals, Rustlers and eventually the Braves. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026 The name has an elegant, European feel but also playful, accessible nicknames like Freddy and Fred to keep it grounded. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026 Inspired by one of Jordan’s many nicknames, the Black Cat line has become one of the most popular themes in the Air Jordan line. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026 The sport’s most famous stadium nicknames have emerged from blowouts and marketing pitches, architectural quirks and television broadcasts, each following a different route from casual description to something entrenched in tradition. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 There are famous sailing ships with female names that many Americans can cite, such as the nicknames for the three Spanish ships — the Niña, Pinta and Santa María — used by Christopher Columbus during his famed first voyage to the New World in 1492. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nicknames
  1. monikers
  2. epithets
  3. surnames
Noun
  • These practices have made some industries a permanent part of the country’s political fabric, and given rise to unflattering monikers like Big Oil or Big Pharma or Big Food.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The legendary playwright has penned dramatic productions with some of the most popular monikers of all time, including Jessica and Olivia.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of monikers
Noun
  • The American Civil Liberties Union sued in February, alleging officers hurled racial epithets, acted violently, and largely withheld food, water, bathrooms and medical care.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 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 epithets
Noun
  • Cricket South Africa said players will take the field with the names of breast cancer fighters or survivors replacing their own surnames on the backs of their shirts.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The couple lived between New York City, Denmark, France, and Tuxedo Park, according to listing agent Richard Ellis, and their surnames inspired the property’s name.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of surnames

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Cite this Entry

“Nicknames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nicknames. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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