Synonyms for

Nerd

Verb / nɜ:d / Another word for nerd — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person who is very interested in academic subjects or technology and not very interested in other things that are popular or fashionable.

Synonyms & similar words

wonk grind swot dweeb geek dork brainiac intellectual bookworm genius scholar thinker brain wiseacre grind swot egghead smarty-pants highbrow academic wonk nerdy nerdette

Synonyms by register

Formal

intellectual scholar erudite person academic

Informal

geek dork egghead brainiac wonk

Antonyms

popular person social butterfly jock cool kid trendsetter leader

Common collocations

  • total nerd
  • socially awkward nerd
  • computer nerd
  • science nerd
  • avid nerd
  • typical nerd

Word family

noun nerd
adjective nerdy

Usage note

While 'nerd' was historically pejorative, it has been reclaimed by some and can now be used neutrally or even positively to describe someone with intense interests, especially in academic or technical fields.

Example sentences

  1. 1. My friend is a nerd who loves to play video games.
  2. 2. The boy in my class is a nerd who always gets good grades.
  3. 3. She is a nerd who spends all her time in the library.
  4. 4. The nerd won the science fair competition.
  5. 5. The nerd was the only one who knew the answer to the difficult question.

Quotes

  • 1. 'I was always a bit of a nerd, you know, and I was always interested in science.' - Elon Musk
  • 2. 'I was a nerd growing up, and I'm a little antisocial and awkward.' - Shia LaBeouf
  • 3. 'I was a nerd, but I was also a jock.' - Jim Gaffigan

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