1
as in skills
knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something
that pianist really doesn't yet have the musical chops to do that piece justice
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Recent Examples of chops
Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
The proposal chops $150 million from the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which battled against the largest budget cut in last year's negotiations.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
And then the council comes along and chops it off.
—David Treuer, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Briland Club has Bar480 on the marina for yacht spotting; Queen Conch chops conch salad to order; and Cocoa Coffee House makes mean smoothies and brews.
—Adam Sachs, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2025
Take your time to let the pork chops sear and brown.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Dexter then stabs Prater in the chest and chops his body into pieces.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Consider two investors, one who invests $7,500 at the beginning of the year, and another who chops it up into $288 biweekly investments.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
The proposal chops $150 million from the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which battled against the largest budget cut in last year's negotiations.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
And then the council comes along and chops it off.
—David Treuer, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Briland Club has Bar480 on the marina for yacht spotting; Queen Conch chops conch salad to order; and Cocoa Coffee House makes mean smoothies and brews.
—Adam Sachs, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2025
Take your time to let the pork chops sear and brown.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Dexter then stabs Prater in the chest and chops his body into pieces.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chops
Verb
-
Driven by revenge and madness, Sweeney Todd slices necks he is meant to just shave.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2026
-
Her foot slices down the side of the ball.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
9 June 2026
Verb
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After seasoning the steak, Jade grates cheese as Giada stirs the pasta, accidentally dropping it into the bowl.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
This beloved Microplane zester is made from stainless steel and designed with a unique tooth set that grates hard spices, citrus, cheeses, and more as smooth as butter.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Oxo Good Grips Vegetable Chopper This one-cup chopper efficiently dices small ingredients, like garlic and nuts.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chops. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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