to annoy or irritate persistently, a person who constantly finds fault and complains

beat a dead horse, get off someone's back, ride someone's back

nagging doubt, nagging pain, nagging feeling

Formal and Informal Expressions of nags

In different contexts, you can replace 'nags' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'pester, harass' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bug, hassle' is a commonplace synonym.

nags: Explore its Definition & Usage

nags Definition

1to annoy or irritate persistently
2a person who constantly finds fault and complains

Using nags: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nags" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The sound of the dripping faucet nags me all night.
Example
She constantly nags her husband about his messy habits.
Example
He is such a nag, always complaining about everything.
Example
Her mother-in-law is a constant nag.

nags Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for nags

Antonyms for nags

Idioms Using nags

beat a dead horse
to continue to argue or complain about a topic that has already been resolved
Example
There's no point in beating a dead horse. We've already decided not to go on the trip.
get off someone's back
to stop criticizing or nagging someone
Example
Can you please get off my back? I'm doing the best I can.
ride someone's back
to constantly criticize or nag someone
Example
I wish my boss would stop riding my back about every little thing.

Phrases with nags

nagging doubt
a persistent feeling of uncertainty or anxiety
Example
Despite his success, he had a nagging doubt that he wasn't good enough.
nagging pain
a persistent and annoying physical discomfort
Example
She has been experiencing a nagging pain in her back for weeks.
nagging feeling
a persistent and uneasy suspicion or intuition
Example
She had a nagging feeling that something was wrong with her relationship.

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Summary: nags in Brief

'Nags' [næɡz] is a verb and noun that refers to the act of persistently annoying or irritating someone or a person who constantly complains and finds fault. Examples include 'She constantly nags her husband about his messy habits.' and 'Her mother-in-law is a constant nag.' 'Nags' also extends into phrases like 'nagging doubt,' and idioms like 'get off someone's back,' meaning to stop criticizing or nagging someone.