prying

[ prahy-ing ]

adjective

1. that pries; looking or searching curiously.
2. impertinently or unnecessarily curious or inquisitive.

   Synonyms: nosy

Other Words From

• prying·ly adverb
• prying·ness noun
• un·prying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prying¹

First recorded in 1950–55; pry ¹ + -ing ²

Synonym Study

See curious.

Example Sentences

Despite some prying, he is coy about his character’s place in the narrative and instead stresses how much time has passed between the films.

From Los Angeles Times

“Obviously, it’s awful what happened to them. But also: You put yourself in this position by prying into my life.”

From Los Angeles Times

The high fences allow celebrities to hide from prying eyes.

From BBC

The reluctant hero is not a new character; prying a warrior out of retirement is a popular storytelling device.

From Los Angeles Times

Metal sheeting protects the site from prying eyes but mounds of broken concrete can still be seen through the gaps in the gate.

From BBC