1
as in spice
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses
the barbecue sauce has a nip to it that balances out the sweetness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shred
a very small amount
I'll have just a nip of your sandwich
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
there's a nip in the air today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
I'm just going to nip these hedges, and then I'll be done with the work outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
that guy nipped my wallet from the restaurant table when I turned away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly
I'll just nip off to the corner store for some milk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nip
Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
The Lions ended a nip-and-tuck first quarter with a 17-14 lead following a thunderous dunk by Ranck on an inbounds play in the final seconds.
—James Peters, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
There was also a scuba aesthetic that continued from last season with honkering inflatable coats, cocooning anoraks, and neoprene blazers nipped at the waist that looked like couture life vests and scuba suits.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Noun
Massachusetts allows the ban of nips on a town-by-town basis, but only a few places have taken advantage of this.
—Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
The Lions ended a nip-and-tuck first quarter with a 17-14 lead following a thunderous dunk by Ranck on an inbounds play in the final seconds.
—James Peters, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
Paradise kept nipping at the heels of Westwood, but never trailed by more than 9 points in the contest.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
There was also a scuba aesthetic that continued from last season with honkering inflatable coats, cocooning anoraks, and neoprene blazers nipped at the waist that looked like couture life vests and scuba suits.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
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Due to severely matted fur, much of his coat had to be shaved.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
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On Tuesday, March 31, the New England Patriots star quarterback shaved his head at Granite Telecommunications' annual Saving by Shaving fundraiser.—
Catherine Messier,
The Providence Journal,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Place a mandarin orange upside down in the center, bring the dough up around it, and pinch to seal, removing any excess dough to reuse.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
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He’s been there for more than 40 years, but the plaque telling his story to passersby got pinched a long time ago.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As part of that rally, James Outman entered for Buxton off the bench and immediately stole a base, which manager Derek Shelton made a point to mention.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2026
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Police said suspects entered the building and stole multiple bottles of alcohol and money before fleeing.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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An agent pointed to the other end of the terminal, and the woman hurried off.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2026
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But hurry, the retailer deemed it a popular pick, so grab it before it's gone.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Medical experts say if a rattlesnake bites, keep the area still, at or below heart level, do not apply ice, do not cut the wound, and do not suck out the venom – and seek help immediately.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The Aztecs were within nine points late in the first half against Michigan and had a 3 rattle out that would have cut it to six before getting their doors blown off 94-54, their most lopsided defeat of the 21st century.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Perry's representative confirmed to USA TODAY on Tuesday that the workers were eventually allowed to hold onto the gift cards after confusion was cleared up.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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However, the Heat holds the tiebreaker, so the Hornets are in 10th place in the conference with six games left.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In season one, Coop swipes jewelry, expensive wine, designer handbags and more to pay his alimony, child support and to keep up appearances in a neighborhood where appearances are all that matter.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2026
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Pok swiped clear his glass; new drops immediately streaked across the silicon display.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital by Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics, the man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
If someone pushes you to rush, keep your tone measured and propose a reasonable deadline that protects quality and keeps expectations aligned.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Video
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?
We're gonna stop you right there
Cite this Entry
“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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