nude 1 of 3

adjective

ˈnüd How to pronounce nude (audio)
Definition of nudenext
as in naked
lacking or shed of clothing Picasso's paintings of nude art models

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nude

2 of 3

noun (1)

as in nudity
the state of having no clothes on one's body the artist painted some models in the nude

Synonyms & Similar Words

nudity

3 of 3

noun (2)

as in nude
the state of having no clothes on one's body actors who don't turn down roles that call for nudity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective nude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nude are bald, bare, barren, and naked. While all these words mean "deprived of naturally or conventionally appropriate covering," nude applies especially to the unclothed human figure.

a nude model posing for art students

In what contexts can bald take the place of nude?

While in some cases nearly identical to nude, bald implies actual or seeming absence of natural covering and may suggest a conspicuous bareness.

a bald mountain peak

When is bare a more appropriate choice than nude?

While the synonyms bare and nude are close in meaning, bare implies the removal of what is additional, superfluous, ornamental, or dispensable.

an apartment with bare walls

When can barren be used instead of nude?

The meanings of barren and nude largely overlap; however, barren often suggests aridity or impoverishment or sterility.

barren plains

When would naked be a good substitute for nude?

The synonyms naked and nude are sometimes interchangeable, but naked suggests absence of protective or ornamental covering but may imply a state of nature, of destitution, or of defenselessness.

poor half-naked children

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 nude
Adjective
Scammers received nude photos and subsequently demanded money, driving the teenager to take his own life. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 As recounted in the docuseries via her sister and a recording of a 911 call, Mica later told police that while she was admitted, John-Paul took her car, phone, and laptop, which contained nude images of her. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
An unverified video circulated online appeared to show Hilton nude, covered in what appeared to be blood and exhibiting signs of distress while holding a sharp object. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 Another flattering option is Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Taupe Priority, an almond milk nude. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
That doesn’t necessarily mean doing nudity, which Variety said isn’t something found on her account. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 Advocacy includes crafting nudity riders, establishing boundaries and ensuring closed sets when necessary. — Megan Vick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nude
  1. naked
  2. nudity
Adjective
  • By the late 1960s, Kusama had also turned herself into material, staging happenings, body-painting events, naked demonstrations, and antiwar actions.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • At least three other residents were also videotaped, a police report stated, one while naked in the shower, one on the toilet and another in her underpants in front of her wheelchair.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of naked
Noun
  • Yes, now The Sun is publishing nudity and interfering with police investigations and doing all sorts of nefarious things, but circulation is going through the roof.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Brands today need nuance to be titillating—nudity and provocation are too available.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of nudity

Phrases Containing nude

Browse Nearby Words

nucleus
nude
nudge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nude. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nude

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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