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Definitions

well-nigh

[wel-nahy] / ˈwɛlˌnaɪ /
ADJECTIVE
practically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approximately basically essentially morally nearly virtually
STRONG
much
WEAK
about all but as good as as much as close to for all intents and purposes fundamentally in effect in essence most nigh
Antonyms
WEAK
far not close
ADVERB
almost
Synonyms
STRONGEST
about approximately around essentially most much practically relatively roughly virtually
STRONG
nigh
WEAK
about to all but as good as bordering on close to close upon for all practical purposes for the greatest part in effect in the neighborhood of in the vicinity of just about near to not far from not quite on the brink of on the edge of on the point of on the verge of pretty near substantially within sight of
ADVERB
just about
Synonyms
WEAK
about all but approximately around as good as close to nearly nigh not quite practically
ADVERB
most
Synonyms
STRONGEST
almost exceedingly much nearly remarkably too very
STRONG
about nigh
WEAK
all but approximately close eminently in the majority mightily practically super surpassingly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
little
WEAK
least
ADVERB
nearly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approximately practically roughly virtually
STRONG
about closely most
WEAK
all but approaching as good as circa close but no cigar give or take a little in effect in essence in substance in the ballpark in the neighborhood just about more or less much nearabout not quite pretty near round roundly some somewhere upwards of within a little

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.

But fully turning the clock back will be well-nigh impossible.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

It is huge, imposing and at times well-nigh monumental.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2023

And conversations in a crowded restaurant or bar become well-nigh unintelligible.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 26, 2022

The Endurance video is well-nigh Spielbergian, almost too wondrous, too exquisitely “art directed,” to be believed.

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2022

The soil of a large proportion of the land planted to tobacco has been subjected to “cumulative and well-nigh permanent poisoning,” according to Dr. Satterlee.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson