Need another word for Prying? Use these synonyms of Prying from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
inquisitive
curious
nosy
meddling
intrusive
interfering
snooping
spying
prurient
inquiring
questioning
probing
searching
examining
investigating
inspecting
scrutinizing
exploring
researching
digging
delving
inductive
analytical
exploratory
experimental
empirical
interrogative
suggestive
impertinent
officious
obtrusive
importunate
persistent
pertinacious
tenacious
inquisitorial
interrogational
Meaning of Prying
The primary meaning of the word "Prying" is to ask or try to find out about something, often in a way that is considered rude or inappropriate.
Definitions
- To ask or try to find out about something, often in a way that is considered rude or inappropriate
- To use force or effort to open or move something, such as a door or a lid
- To search or examine something carefully, often in a thorough or meticulous way
Etymology of Prying
The word "Prying" originated from the Old English word "prīan", which means "to ask" or "to inquire"
The word has been in use since the 15th century, initially with the meaning of "to ask" or "to inquire", and later developing the additional meanings of "to search" or "to examine"
Example Uses
- She was prying into his personal affairs, trying to find out more about his past
- The detective was prying open the safe, trying to find any clues
- The researcher was prying into the data, trying to find any patterns or trends
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
discreet
tactful
considerate
respectful
polite
courteous
unobtrusive
unintrusive
non-inquisitive
non-interfering
non-meddling
indifferent
uninterested
uninquisitive
apathetic
uncurious
unconcerned
untroubled
non-probing
non-searching