Meaning & use

nosy

adjective·Everyday

Excessively curious about other people's private affairs; prying.

See it in a sentence

The nosy neighbor always asked too many questions about our visitors.

Don't be nosy; it's not polite to read someone else's messages over their shoulder.

A note on using this word

Nosy is mildly disapproving, describing someone who takes an unwelcome interest in matters that are not their business.

Words with a similar meaning

pryinginquisitivesnoopy

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

discreetprivate

Make it your own

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