nudges

Soft elbow taps

Nudges is the plural of nudge—a gentle push, typically with the elbow, to get someone's attention or hint at something: She gave him a nudge under the table.

A nudge can also be a subtle prompt toward action: He needs a nudge to finish the project.

The verb nudges means to push gently or edge gradually: The cat nudges the door open.

physical

elbow

Arm's middle joint

  • pokeSharp, quick thrust
  • prodJab to spur action
  • shovePush with force

jostle · bump · tap · push · jab · shoulder · hip check · gentle push · touch · budge

persuasion

coax

Persuade by gentle urging

  • urgeStrong inner drive
  • encourageUrge forward with support
  • steerDirect movement or castrated bull

influence · sway · prod · prompt · push · guide · cajole · suggestion · hint · whisper

behavioral

prompts

Signals to begin

hints · encouragement · motivation · defaults · opt-outs · intervention · incentive · framing · priming · notification

progress

inch

Twelfth of a foot

  • edgeBoundary or sharpness
  • creepStealthy, slow movement
  • advanceMove or progress forward

progress · approach · gain ground · step forward · gradual movement · incremental · near · drift · gravitate · trend

Categories
Opposites
force/intensity of physical contact

nudgesshoves

Pushes someone abruptly

slams · rams · thrusts · batters · bulldozes

direction of movement

nudgespulls

Draws toward oneself

tugs · drags · yanks · draws · hauls

degree of persuasion/influence

nudgescoerces

Obtains by intimidation

forces · compels · commands · orders · strong-arms

Phrases
Family

nudge, nudged, nudging

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G