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.

Southampton should be starting preparations for the richest game in English football in 10 days' time, but there remains a nagging doubt.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Looking ahead: Powell, in his final press conference, admitted inflation is still a nagging problem five years after it spiked, but he said he sees no signs the economy is sputtering.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

As Enchassi waited to learn his friend’s fate, a thought kept nagging at him—an impulse he felt ashamed of, but found impossible to ignore.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

I was 24 and had this nagging idea to become an actress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

The experience kindled something in him, that nagging sense he wasn’t yet doing enough.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

nagging

Example Sentences

Related Words