Nod — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈnäd/

Meaning & Definition of Nod

Nod (verb)

  1. to make a quick downward motion of the head whether deliberately (as in expressing assent or salutation) or involuntarily (as from drowsiness)
  2. to incline or sway from the vertical as though ready to fall
  3. to bend or sway the upper part gently downward or forward, bob gently

Nod (noun)

  1. the act or an instance of nodding
  2. an indication especially of approval or recognition

Nod (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make short up-and-down movements

    "though she couldn't see the rain, she knew it had started because she could see the flowers nod as raindrops hit them"

    similar: bob, bobble, jog, jounce, pump, seesaw, wag
    related: jerk, jiggle, shake, wiggle, wobble, oscillate, rock, sway, swing, undulate, drop, duck

Nod (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in vote, endorsement

    similar: backing, cachet, endorsement, finalization, formalization, homologation, ratification, rubber stamp, sanction, support, thumbs-up, vote, approbation, approval, blessing, favor, imprimatur, OK, benediction, goodwill, acceptation, accession, agreement, assent, concurrence, consent, countenance, liking, satisfaction
    opposite: disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor, refusal, rejection, repudiation, dislike, dissatisfaction, censure, condemnation, criticism, denunciation, deprecation, depreciation, disparagement, opprobrium, reprehension, reproach, reprobation

  2. as in dip, bow

    similar: bow, dip, turn, twist, veer, angling, bend, cock, inclination, list, tilt, tip

  3. as in bob

    similar: bob, jiggle, shake, wiggle, flick, jerk, jolt, snap, twitch, flap, flutter, wave, whip, oscillation, rock, sway, swing, waver, swish, switch, wag, waggle, whisk

Related Entry: Nod off (verb)

Nod off is a different word from Nod. The synonyms below are for nod off, not for nod.

  1. as in drop off, drowse (off)

    similar: drop off, drowse (off), catnap, doze, nap, rest, sleep, slumber, snooze, oversleep, sleep in, dream, hibernate
    opposite: arise, arouse, awake, rise, wake

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nod

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nod:

bob, bobble, jog, jounce, pump, seesaw, wag, backing, cachet, endorsement, finalization, formalization, homologation, ratification, rubber stamp, sanction, support, thumbs-up, vote, approbation, approval, blessing, favor, imprimatur, OK, benediction, goodwill, acceptation, accession, agreement, assent, concurrence, consent, countenance, liking, satisfaction, bow, dip, turn, twist

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Nod

Words with the opposite meaning of Nod:

disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor, refusal, rejection, repudiation, dislike, dissatisfaction, censure, condemnation, criticism, denunciation, deprecation, depreciation, disparagement, opprobrium, reprehension, reproach, reprobation

Related Words for Nod

wobble, oscillate, undulate, drop, duck

Word Forms of Nod

Inflections: nodded, nodding

Derived words: nodder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Nod

Middle English nodden; perhaps akin to Old High German hnotōn to shake

First known use: 14th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Nod

Words & Phrases Containing Nod

nod off, get the nod, give someone a nod, give someone the nod, on the nod

Frequently Asked Questions about Nod

What does "Nod" mean?

"Nod" means to make a quick downward motion of the head whether deliberately (as in expressing assent or salutation) or involuntarily (as from drowsiness). As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to make a quick downward motion of the head whether deliberately (as in expressing assent or salutation) or involuntarily (as from drowsiness). It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Nod"?

Other words for "Nod" include bob, bobble, jog, jounce, pump, seesaw, wag and backing. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nod" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nod"?

There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nod". Common alternatives include bob, bobble, jog, jounce, pump, seesaw, wag, backing, cachet and endorsement.

What is the opposite of "Nod"?

Antonyms of "Nod" include disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor, refusal, rejection, repudiation, dislike and dissatisfaction.

How do you use "Nod" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nod" in a sentence: "though she couldn't see the rain, she knew it had started because she could see the flowers nod as raindrops hit them".

Is "Nod" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nod" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Nod" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Nod" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Nod"?

"Nod" is pronounced /ˈnäd/.