Synonyms of nick

nick 1 of 2

noun

ˈnik 

1

as in chip

a V-shaped cut usually on an edge or a surface

I made a nick in the frame when I accidentally dropped it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chip
• slit
• hack
• groove
• slot
• indent
• indentation
• punch
• notch
• kerf
• indenture
• nock
• score
• snip
• undercut
• joggle

2

as in jail

British slang a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody

the blokes at the pub traded stories of nights spent in the nick after having lifted too many pints

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jail
• prison
• penitentiary
• brig
• bastille
• pen
• pokey
• slammer
• stockade
• lockup
• hock
• bridewell
• calaboose
• big house
• coop
• guardroom
• hoosegow
• jug
• cooler
• jailhouse
• tolbooth
• can
• clink
• cage
• stir
• cell
• joint
• bull pen
• slam
• tank
• quod
• hole
• ward
• hold
• dungeon
• guardhouse
• stalag
• block
• concentration camp
• work camp
• glasshouse
• keep
• prison camp
• labor camp
• oubliette
• reformatory
• gulag
• hulk(s)
• reform school
• training school

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outside

3

as in shape

British a state of being or fitness

the princess is in excellent nick these days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shape
• condition
• health
• repair
• form
• order
• estate
• trim
• keeping
• fettle
• kilter
• practice
• phase
• situation
• stage
• pass
• status
• scene
• picture
• standing
• posture
• rank
• footing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disorder
• disrepair

nick

2 of 2

verb

British slang

1

as in to steal

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep

that lorry was a piece of rubbish, I don't know why anyone would want to nick it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steal
• swipe
• rob
• grab
• snitch
• pinch
• pocket
• lift
• snatch
• nip
• rip off
• appropriate
• pilfer
• hook
• filch
• thieve
• misappropriate
• walk off with
• run off with
• make away with
• purloin
• boost
• hijack
• pick
• make off with
• sack
• take
• knock over
• heist
• seize
• loot
• plunder
• rifle
• burglarize
• pillage
• nail
• collar
• grasp
• spirit
• kidnap
• poach
• sponge
• rustle
• shoplift
• shanghai
• abduct
• mooch
• carjack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• buy
• purchase
• give
• present
• contribute
• hand over
• donate
• bestow

2

as in to arrest

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law

a petty thief who was always getting nicked for picking the pockets of tourists outside Buckingham Palace

Synonyms & Similar Words

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• pinch
• detain
• restrain
• run in
• nail
• jail
• pull in
• snatch
• capture
• catch
• nab
• bust
• collar
• commit
• pick up
• trap
• hook
• snare
• confine
• snap (up)
• land
• imprison
• incarcerate
• get
• bag
• grapple
• bind
• intern
• lock (up)
• hold
• jug
• handcuff
• immure
• shackle
• manacle
• trammel
• fetter
• remand
• enchain
• rearrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• free
• loose
• spring
• liberate
• loosen
• emancipate
• unbind
• unchain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nick

Noun

Stay away from cucumbers with any bruising or nicks in the skin because these can lead to deterioration. — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

In addition to keeping your drink close and your hands empty during your daily activities, the water bottle holder protects your water bottle from nicks and dings. — Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Verb

Court documents said Gipson allegedly stabbed one victim in the leg, stabbed another in the torso who was trying to shield the other victim, and nicked the third victim in the leg. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 1 July 2026

But Valenzuela stuck out his glove, the ball nicked the leather and rolled to Juan Samuel, who stepped on second base and threw to first baseman Eddie Murray, who made the catch that sent Dodgers running to the mound. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Phrases Containing nick

• Old Nick