bite 1 of 2

noun

Definition of bitenext
1
as in edge
a harsh or sharp quality the fall winds had a real bite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mouthful
a small piece or quantity of food had only a bite to eat before rushing off

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness weather with a bite that suggested winter was right around the corner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bite

2 of 2

verb

ˈbīt How to pronounce bite (audio)
informal + sometimes impolite
as in to suck
to be objectionable or unsatisfactory man, that really bites that you have to work on the weekend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 bite
Noun
That is why threats to withhold federal funding have real bite. — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 24 July 2026 Then there’s the quadruple threat of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and evaporated milk to ensure that no bite of this casserole is dry. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Verb
Customers will no longer be able to come in for a beer and bite to eat. — Jenna Thompson july 17, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026 After collecting over 7,500 ticks for my research, I have been bitten only once. — Amanda Roome, The Conversation, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bite
  1. edge
  2. mouthful
  3. chill
  4. suck
  5. bitterness
  6. taste
  7. acidity
  8. nibble
Noun
  • Connection feels safer when nobody has to guess where the edge is.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • Lake Michigan is its main shoreline, though the northern edge also touches the Black River, a popular spot for kayakers and boaters, who can tie up at the waterfront restaurants.
    — Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Delight in rituals that engage the senses, like slowly moving a mouthful of Champagne around your tongue, or lighting palo santo in the dark and letting its smoke envelop you.
    — Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • As the snakes leap, jump and slither in a bid to escape, Kennedy manages to grab one in each hand, narrowly dodging their attempts to snag a mouthful of his skin.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Definition of mouthful
Noun
  • Festivalgoers looking for a more chill yet engaging afternoon set should head toward Thomas’s performance on the T-Mobile stage.
    — Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Pour shrub into a clean jar; cover with lid and chill until flavors come together and mellow, about 1 week.
    — Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026
Definition of chill
Verb
  • Carapaz ground his teeth as Pogačar’s back wheel slipped away on the afternoon’s final metres of climbing, as if trying to suck him back through the air itself.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Motion picture marketing execs cry about the oxygen being sucked out of San Diego Comic-Con by rival studios, even if Disney’s Hall H Marvel panel is one of the last hoorahs to go down Saturday night.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of suck
Noun
  • Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.
    — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Delicate notes of wild berries complement the citrusy hop character and crisp, dry finish, creating a perfect balance of fruity flavor and bitterness.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • Fermented dry and finished with a touch of tropical sweetness, each sip delivers fruit-forward taste.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
  • Just be sure to rinse your produce with fresh water afterwards to get rid of any leftover baking soda taste.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026
Definition of taste
Noun
  • The soy sauce seasons the tofu to its core, while balsamic vinaigrette adds acidity, richness, and just enough sweetness.
    — Ali Francis, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026
  • Algieri says Chablis typically features high acidity, strong mineral character, and is un-oaked or lightly oaked, but many of her clients are more familiar with Chardonnay having a rounder, buttery style driven by vanilla from heavy oak aging.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 26 July 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • Chipmunks dig in planters to bury food or nibble on bulbs and foliage.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • And the consequences of a curious nibble can range from vomiting to emergency surgery to death.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of nibble

Phrases Containing bite

Browse Nearby Words

bitchy
bite
bite (at)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bite. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on bite

Nglish: Translation of bite for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All