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Definition of nauseating

nauseating

/ˈnɔːziˌeɪtɪŋ/
nau · se · at · ing
Adverb:nauseatingly
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nauseating Lexical Profile

nauseating Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing a feeling of sickness in the stomach or an inclination to vomit.

Example

"The nauseating smell of spoiled milk filled the warm kitchen."

2

Arousing strong moral disgust, loathing, or contempt.

Example

"The sheer hypocrisy of the official's public apology was utterly nauseating."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nauseating
Antonyms
View all antonyms for nauseating

Word Nuance & Usage

In careful usage, 'nauseating' means causing nausea or disgust, whereas 'nauseated' means experiencing nausea; 'nauseous' is used in both senses, though traditionalists prefer 'nauseating' for things that cause sickness.

• Nearby Words

nauruan
nausea
nauseate
nauseating
nauseatingly
nauseous
nauseously

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed as the present participial adjective of 'nauseate', from Latin 'nauseatus' (past participle of 'nauseare', meaning to feel seasick or vomit), ultimately from Ancient Greek 'nausia' ('seasickness'), derived from 'naus' ('ship').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nauseating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nauseating
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