Definitions

wonk

[wongk] / wɒŋk /

NOUN

excessive studier

Synonyms

STRONGEST

geek nerd

STRONG

bookworm brain dweeb grind grub

WEAK

greasy grind poindexter swotter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Colleagues, including some Republicans, describe her as reasonable and a policy wonk who loves spreadsheets.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Facts are great when you’re a lawyer in court or when you’re a wonk writing policy briefs and refining legislative language.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2025

Allow me to wonk out for a moment here.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2025

They also flesh out a portrait of Mr. Obama as a steady-as-she-goes, hyper-disciplined but not especially warm, policy wonk who scrolled the Brookings Institution website for ideas and had to overcome his own political mistakes.

From New York Times • Mar. 22, 2024

Tina was a bighearted policy wonk with an infectious laugh and more hustle than just about anyone I knew.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama