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Definitions

nagging

[nag-ing] / ˈnæg ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
painful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aching agonizing excruciating grievous inflamed severe terrible throbbing troublesome
STRONG
biting burning distressing harrowing hurting irritated piercing saddening smarting stinging tender tormenting trying
WEAK
achy afflictive arduous awful caustic difficult dire disagreeable distasteful dreadful extreme extremely bad hard hurtful laborious raw sensitive sharp sore tedious uncomfortable unpleasant vexatious
Antonyms
STRONGEST
easy good helpful nice pleasant
STRONG
mild

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They may have some nagging concerns and some lingering doubts.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

He was thrilled, of course, but he also had a nagging worry that Scotland had scored too soon.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Huff’s explanation of the reasons he retired mentioned a nagging wrist injury.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been a nagging worry across financial markets for months, with recent jitters pushing up the “risk premium” in the price of oil.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

"My mom's always nagging me to spend my allowance on something useful," she says with a mischievous smile.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi