Synonyms of 'nose'

nose

Explore 'nose' in the dictionary

1 (noun) in the sense of snout

Definition

the organ situated above the mouth, used for smelling and breathing

She had sunscreen on her nose.

Synonyms

snout

Two alligators rest their snouts on the water's surface.

bill

Its legs and feet are grey, its bill brownish-yellow.

beak (slang)

his sharp, aristocratic beak

hooter (slang)

snitch (slang)

conk (slang)

neb (archaic, dialect)

proboscis

schnozzle (slang, mainly US)

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2 (noun) in the sense of instinct

Definition

instinctive skill in finding something

My mother has always had a nose for a bargain.

Synonyms

instinct

She has a strong instinct to care for others.

feeling

She has strong feelings about the growth in violence.

intuition

Her intuition was telling her that something was wrong.

sixth sense

He has a sixth sense for finding people who have good ideas.

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1 (verb) in the sense of ease forward

Definition

to move forward slowly and carefully

The car nosed forward out of the drive.Ben drove past them, nosing his car into the garage.

Synonyms

ease forward

push

They pushed him into the car.

edge

shove

He shoved her out of the way.

nudge

`Stop it,' he said, and nudged me in the ribs.

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2 (verb) in the sense of nuzzle

Synonyms

nuzzle

idioms

See by a nose

See get up someone's nose

See look down your nose at something or someone

Phrasal verbs

See nose around or about

See nose something out

See poke or stick your nose into something

See turn up your nose at or turn your nose up at something or someone

related words

related adjectives nasal rhinal

figurative note

The literal meaning of nose is the organ of smell in human beings and other animals used in the detection and tasting of food. This role, and its physical shape, have inspired a host of extended meanings and idioms. Humans are called noses if they are experts on perfume. In this case, the meaning is drawn from the most relevant body part of the person. A nose can also mean the characteristic fragrance of a wine. A human's sense of smell can provide clues at a level beyond explicit thought. Accordingly, nose can mean instinct and intuition, e.g. (have) a nose for trouble. There are many phrases involving nose, such as nose around, nose about, and nose out, all of which involve detection and investigation. However, too much nosing can lead to accusations of nosiness and poking your nose (where it doesn't belong). The physical position of the nose has led to a verbal sense of edging forward in nose your way. A nose also means a winning margin, originally from horseracing, where a close win is by a nose.