WELL-NIGH Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

well-nigh

adverb

ˈwel-ˈnī

Definition of well-nigh

as in almost

very close to but not completely it was well-nigh dark, but I could still see a little

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 well-nigh Cameron keeps upping the ante, until one becomes convinced the T-1000 is well-nigh invincible. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 For his part, MLS commissioner Don Garber’s off-the-cuff take was well-nigh poetic. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026 At Calder Gardens, art, architecture, and horticulture achieve a well-nigh perfect equilibrium. — Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025 The journey along the Gemini, which measured only 18 feet and five inches from bow to stern, proved to be well-nigh impossible. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025 In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-nigh

Adverb

Defense lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, who represents Mackenzie and almost all of the others convicted, said he had been instructed to appeal.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
From a dozen seats to 20,000 sign-ups Growth has come almost entirely from social media.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of almost

Adverb

Remember the old Popeye and spinach routine, where the squinty-eyed sailor scarfs down a can of leafy greens and his muscles practically burst out of his shirt?

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026
The chase for a third consecutive World Series championship is historically and essentially and practically kaput.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of practically

Adverb

Emily Hargreaves, who has been at Multitude for nearly a decade, continues to lead the personal PR biz including Dyer, Adefope and Latif.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Atlas assembly overhaul The company released a nearly six-minute video showing how its manufacturing processes support rapid hardware development, letting engineers move from design changes to physical components and assembled robots faster.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of nearly

Adverb

The result was 90% of farmers in the country living in poverty with virtually all of them drinking unclean water.

— Adam Duxter, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Little League is something of a rite of passage for young boys, and virtually every town in America has a baseball field.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of virtually

Browse Nearby Words

wellness

well-nigh

well-off

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“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of well-nigh

adverb

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