bite 1 of 7

noun (1)

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

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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 7

verb (1)

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bite (at)

3 of 7

verb (2)

as in to erode
to consume or wear away gradually the waves were biting at the sand castle I had worked so hard on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bite (on)

4 of 7

verb (3)

as in to chew
to crush or grind with the teeth she tends to bite on her pencils when she thinks hard

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bit

5 of 7

noun (2)

1
as in speck
a very small piece she left only a bit of the broccoli on her plate

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in piece
a broken or irregular part of something that often remains incomplete bits of cookie scattered on the table

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in little
a very small amount I'll have only a bit of food right now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in while
an indefinite but usually short period of time this will only take a bit

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5
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group known for a comedic bit in which she portrayed a very nervous student driver

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6
as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury wielding silver trays, the servers offered partygoers a variety of exotic-looking bits

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bit

6 of 7

verb (4)

past tense of bite, informal + sometimes impolite
as in sucked
to be objectionable or unsatisfactory man, that really bites that you have to work on the weekend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bitten

7 of 7

verb (5)

variants also bit
past participle of bite, informal + sometimes impolite
as in smelled
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
The reception reportedly offered multiple bars and food stations, which featured bites such as sushi and Italian cuisine. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026 The best way to avoid contracting West Nile, according to the CDC, is to limit mosquito bites. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
Finishing salts, such as Roasted Garlic Sea Salt from The Salt Cellar sold for less than $10, can add that first-bite extra flavor and appeal. — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department advised anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal to promptly clean the wound with soap and water, then contact a physician or go to the emergency room. — Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Noun
The New York Knicks' first championship team in 53 years is now starting to look a little bit different. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 A little bit of mayo and sour cream add the just-right creaminess while the traditional ingredients help maintain a satisfying crunchy texture. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Verb
Mecklenburg County Public Health issued a rabies alert Thursday after a coyote with the viral disease bit a human and pet on June 6. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026 And before the perpetually whiny and moronic peanut gallery says that sports teams have special nights all the time, that’s true, but celebrating heritage, or veterans who fought and died for this country is just an eency weency bit different than force-feeding the gay agenda at a ball game! — Tomi Lahren Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Verb
The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department advised anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal to promptly clean the wound with soap and water, then contact a physician or go to the emergency room. — Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Nearly a quarter of adults in five states where lone star ticks are prevalent are estimated to show signs that they’ve been bitten, according to new research published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 2 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
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy.
    — Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy.
    — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Definition of mouthful
Noun
  • The room, its walls expensively craquelure'd to resemble fractured eggshells, its pale taffeta curtains billowing in the chill English breeze, is more Hollywood boudoir than office.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
  • From versatile and lightweight linen jumpsuits to light sweaters that come in handy when there’s an unexpected chill in the air, the following items are essentials that can always be found in our suitcases.
    — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of chill
Verb
  • As whole house fans and swamp coolers can suck additional pollutants inside, the department recommends using air purifiers or air conditioners as alternatives when possible.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Pests Aphids, squash bugs, and spider mites can suck a cucumber plant’s sap and cause the leaves to yellow, brown, or curl.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of suck
Noun
  • In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • The second film was a bit too bloated for my tastes and one that didn’t add much to what came before.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
  • These insights from local chefs offer visitors an authentic taste of each host city's unique culinary identity.
    — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of taste
Noun
  • Just like white vinegar, lemon juice has an acidity that can get rid of dullness affecting your whites.
    — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • The extra time gives the wine enough breadth for tomato, cheese, shellfish and oil without losing the acidity that makes Santorini whites so useful at the table.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of acidity
Noun
  • Stuff homemade or store-bought pimiento cheese into jarred peppadew peppers for bite-size nibbles that make a grand impression.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
  • For pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, a table on the terrace at Le 300 is in high demand.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Definition of nibble

Phrases Containing bite

Browse Nearby Words

bitchy
bite
bite (at)
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Cite this Entry

“Bite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of bite for Spanish Speakers

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