Definition of nip and tucknext
as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors the race was nip and tuck to the very end, with the judges needing to look at photos of the finish three times

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nip and tuck An entire industry awaits to nip and tuck us. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Georgia’s 15-point loss last month in Gainesville was nip and tuck until 6-foot-11, 260-pound sophomore Somoto Cyril’s ejection for elbowing the face of Florida center Rueben Chinyelu with the Gators leading 21-19. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 It’s long been known that stars of the Real Housewives franchise love to get a little nip and tuck. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nip and tuck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip and tuck
Adjective
  • The goal was for the GOP to hold onto a narrow House majority in the face of political headwinds that typically favor the party out of power in midterms.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The narrow waterway, just 21 miles wide, serves as a pinch point for 20 million barrels of crude every day, about one-fifth of global production.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Another category that would likely unnerve boards of directors, according to Minow, is close ties with Epstein following his controversial 2008 guilty plea to procuring a minor for prostitution.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • With Jackson’s death Tuesday, leaders across the region reflected on a legacy that helped shape a generation of local activism and public service — none more so than Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a close friend for more than five decades.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nip and tuck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip%20and%20tuck. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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