as in almost
very close to but not completely
it was well-nigh dark, but I could still see a little
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Right now, though, a coherent A.I. policy seems well-nigh inconceivable.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
In my book, Peter Seidler was a model citizen, a well-nigh heroic one.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Nov. 2023
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
Right now, though, a coherent A.I. policy seems well-nigh inconceivable.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 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
-
Another, says Lentsch, was when the Wyoming state senate almost passed SJ2, a bill seeking to transfer all federal land in Wyoming to the state for the purpose of selling it off.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Nacua became known for his infectious enthusiasm and ability to catch almost anything Rams MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford threw his way.—
Los Angeles Times staff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
On that night 15 months ago, the French wunderkind accomplished a feat none of the others could, forcing Jokic to give up on the Sombor mid-shuffle with a close-out that practically reached into the upper deck.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
And practically any relief is welcome when the Chicago area’s property tax bills have shot up at twice the rate of inflation over the past three decades.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
By morning, nearly six inches of fresh Colorado powder had settled over the car, frosting its sharp lines and futuristic shape like confectioner’s sugar on a pastry.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Gamez has been a DART employee for nearly three decades.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Its ensemble approach — rotating in high-profile guest stars alongside a deep regular cast — generated acting nominations in virtually every season of its run.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
-
In the 2008–09 financial crisis, the government provided enormous support to large financial institutions but virtually none to small businesses, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of many such businesses and their employees, and millions of everyday, hard-working Americans.—
Robert Hormats,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Well-nigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-nigh. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
