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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of nip
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The affection can build up and lead to a slight nip at each other.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
Romulus and Remus are doing what puppies do: chasing, tussling, nipping, nuzzling.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nip
Noun
The affection can build up and lead to a slight nip at each other.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The affection can build up and lead to a slight nip at each other.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Boris Johnson had a fowl run-in at a wildlife park, with video posted online Sunday showing a feisty ostrich nipping at the former British prime minister’s arm during a sightseeing excursion.
—Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
Romulus and Remus are doing what puppies do: chasing, tussling, nipping, nuzzling.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
-
Tommaso Ciampa has recently undergone a noticeable change in appearance by shaving off his trademark beard.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
With cord-cutting continuing to shave the traditional pay-TV bundle by millions of subscribers a year, however, FAST has become an increasingly vibrant part of the TV ecosystem.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
They’re made of a soft jersey fabric that feels comfortable against the skin, and the high waistband prevents pinching and rolling.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Snipping or pinching off a few old flowers several times a week is much less daunting than waiting for the entire plant to be covered in them.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The return would be enough to steal Abbott from the Reds.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The Pacers will return home for Games 5 and 7 (if necessary), which means the Bucks would need to steal two road wins to advance.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Ron hurried to change positions before the tom flew down.—
Thomas Weddle,
Outdoor Life,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Traders in January hurried to build up inventories ahead of tariffs, according to a recent USA TODAY analysis.—
Dian Zhang,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The state says the rule is crucial to meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and cutting smog-forming pollutants.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
With the new order, Trump is threatening to cut federal funds to cities and states his Administration decides are blocking his mass deportation effort.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
At the lowest income levels, only about 13% of households held retirement accounts in 2022, according to the federal Survey of Consumer Finances.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Every child in New York deserves the chance to learn basic literacy, numeracy, science, and civics — skills essential for participating in society, holding a job, and fulfilling civic duties like voting or serving on a jury.—
David Bloomfield,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The student swiped her card for door access, which police believe allowed Saldana to slip in behind the student.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Its functionality is iPad-like with a swipe down notifications screen, applications and swipe up climate controls.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Jeanty was a Heisman finalist after leading Division I with 2,601 rushing yards and averaging 7.0 yards per carry.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Over three seasons at Alabama, his sideline-to-sideline speed showed through, as did his ability to rush the quarterback.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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 3 May. 2025.
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