A-Z-31

60 words & definitions

nab
To catch someone doing something wrong or illegal
nix
Put an end to; cancel
nerd
A person who lacks social skills but often makes up for it with technical ability
ninny
A foolish person
nitwit
A silly or foolish person
noggin
A person's head
nook
Small area or space, like an alcove, that is conducive to meditating, reading, relaxing or quietly reflecting.
nozzle
A cylindrical or round spout at the end of a pipe, hose, or tube, used to control a jet of gas or liquid
nag
Annoy or irritate (a person) with persistent fault-finding or continuous urging
nibble
An instance of nibbling something
An expression of cautious interest in a project or proposal
nip
Pinch, squeeze, or bite sharply
nod
To lower and raise one's head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding, or to give someone a signal
newfangled
Different from what one is used to; objectionably new
nifty
Particularly good, skillful, or effective
niggling
Bothersome or persistent especially in a petty or tiresome way
nimble
Quick and light in movement or action; agile
nippy
(of the weather) rather cold; chilly
muzzle
Put a muzzle on (an animal)
myriad
A countless or extremely great number
nemesis
A long-standing rival; an archenemy
nasty
Highly unpleasant, especially to the senses; physically nauseating
notorious
Famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed
mystique
A fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or something
nostalgia
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations
nefarious
An act or behaviour that is criminal, evil or wicked.
nirvana
(in Buddhism) a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth; it represents the final goal of Buddhism
niceties
A fine detail or distinction, especially one regarded as intricate and fussy
nonchalant
(of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm
naughty
(especially of children) disobedient; badly behaved
niche
A small part of a larger whole that is particularly appropriate for the situation
noxious
Poisonous or very harmful.
mystified
Being very puzzled and confused
novice
Someone who is beginning to learn a skill or subject
naive
Too ready to believe someone or something, or to trust that someone's intentions are good, often because of a lack of experience:
nightmare
A very bad dream, or an event that is like a bad dream
mystical
Relating to the belief that there is hidden and spiritual meaning in life.
nincompoop
A stupid or foolish person
negligent
To mistakenly fail to do something that should have been done
narrative
A story or a description of a series of events
nag
A person who nags someone
nibble
A small bite of something, usually food.
nip
A sharp pinch, squeeze, or bite
nod
An act of nodding the head
mystery
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain, a person or thing that arouses curiosity or wonder because it is unknown or puzzling.
nap
A light or casual sleep, usually not as deep or long as nighttime sleep.
noble
Having high moral qualities such as honor, courage, and generosity.
nosey
Too interested in other people's business or private matters.
neophyte
Someone inexperienced who is just starting out in a field or area, a beginner or novice, especially someone new to a skill, subject, or activity.
no-no
Something that is not allowed or is strongly discouraged.
nosedive
A sudden, steep drop, a sharp decline in condition, success, or stability.
nascent
Emerging or starting to grow, especially referring to ideas, industries, or movements.
nebulous
Unclear, vague, or ill-defined — lacking definite form or limits.
negligible
So small or unimportant that it can be ignored or doesn't have a noticeable effect; insignificant in amount, size, or impact — too minor to be worth considering.
nourish
To provide food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition; also to support or promote the development of something (like ideas, feelings, or relationships).
navigate
To lead a company, activity, etc. in a particular direction, or to deal effectively with a difficult situation.
nonsense
Words or actions that are silly, stupid, make no sense, and have no meaning.
nepotism
When those with power or influence favor relatives, friends, or associates, such as by giving them jobs or ruling in their favor.
mystical
Inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination.
neglect
To fail to care of something or someone properly.
nostalgic
To think affectionately about experiences you had in the past.