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nude

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noun

as in nudity
the state of having no clothes on one's body the artist painted some models in the nude

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective nude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nude are bald, bare, barren, and naked. While all these words mean "deprived of naturally or conventionally appropriate covering," nude applies especially to the unclothed human figure.

a nude model posing for art students

In what contexts can bald take the place of nude?

While in some cases nearly identical to nude, bald implies actual or seeming absence of natural covering and may suggest a conspicuous bareness.

a bald mountain peak

When is bare a more appropriate choice than nude?

While the synonyms bare and nude are close in meaning, bare implies the removal of what is additional, superfluous, ornamental, or dispensable.

an apartment with bare walls

When can barren be used instead of nude?

The meanings of barren and nude largely overlap; however, barren often suggests aridity or impoverishment or sterility.

barren plains

When would naked be a good substitute for nude?

The synonyms naked and nude are sometimes interchangeable, but naked suggests absence of protective or ornamental covering but may imply a state of nature, of destitution, or of defenselessness.

poor half-naked children

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nude
Adjective
To be sure, photographs of nude or seminude girls have long been known to be part of the government’s case. Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 Bieber’s tiny fruits layered over sheer nude polish is a common pairing seen by manicurists who specialize in micro nail art, such as Knight and Betina Goldstein. Sophia Panych, Allure, 30 June 2025
Noun
Most brands typically offer at least 10 shades, including everything from flattering nudes to bold reds. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 As in 2022, Princess Kate accessorized the dress with nude, suede pumps and a yellow clutch, as well as a matching Philip Treacy hat, which features a floral detail under the brim. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nude
naked
Adjective
  • Throughout summer 2025, Gomez has been at the forefront of this year's most minimalist nail trends—from simple purple pastels to nearly naked glass manicures—but that hasn't always been her preference.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 July 2025
  • The real Centre Court felt naked on Monday without those men and women marching to their official postings.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nude. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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