1
as in stole
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrested
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
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 nicked
The Wildcats nicked Alpert for two runs in the second inning, then tacked on another in the third via Levi Lueck’s RBI single.
—
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
The walls were lined with grocery shelves laden with ingredients nicked from Ducasse’s kitchen, with a few bottles of Heinz ketchup thrown in to broadcast the theme, which was chaos.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 29 May 2026
No one nicked him with their shoe while contesting his shot.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Jumped up on him and just nicked his thumb.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
But one of Brewers catcher William Contreras’ three successful challenges came on that ninth pitch, a 3-2 sinker that just nicked the bottom of the zone.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
All of television seems to have been nicked by digital communication and streaming platforms and on and on.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2026
Now comes a valuable lesson, not just getting through it but performing when you’re nicked up.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
His centering pass nicked the skate of a sliding Nick Leddy and bounced off Askarov’s pad before coming to Killorn for a tap-in, his 14th goal of 2025-26.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
The walls were lined with grocery shelves laden with ingredients nicked from Ducasse’s kitchen, with a few bottles of Heinz ketchup thrown in to broadcast the theme, which was chaos.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 29 May 2026
No one nicked him with their shoe while contesting his shot.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Jumped up on him and just nicked his thumb.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
But one of Brewers catcher William Contreras’ three successful challenges came on that ninth pitch, a 3-2 sinker that just nicked the bottom of the zone.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
All of television seems to have been nicked by digital communication and streaming platforms and on and on.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2026
Now comes a valuable lesson, not just getting through it but performing when you’re nicked up.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
His centering pass nicked the skate of a sliding Nick Leddy and bounced off Askarov’s pad before coming to Killorn for a tap-in, his 14th goal of 2025-26.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nicked
Verb
-
The Office Romance actress stole the show at the Netflix film’s New York City premiere on June 2, dazzling in a naked illusion corset gown that covered her curves in dreamy blooms.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
3 June 2026
-
Andujar reached on an infield single to start the fourth inning and stole second base on the final pitch of Jackson Merrill’s strikeout.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Oppenheimer, 35 of Cambridge, was arrested in July 2024 and pleaded guilty in January to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
At least 45 people were arrested in Paris on Saturday after celebrations over Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory descended into chaos, with fires set, businesses vandalized and crowds clashing with police.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
An emotionally disturbed man swiped an idling private ambulance off a Bronx street Thursday — taking the rescue vehicle on a short joyride before crashing it into a car, police said.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
-
Whatever’s swiped or not swiped from that book here, who cares, as Danielewski has promised it will never, ever be adapted to the screen.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Liliana Escobar made sure the Lions seized it.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
During the search, police said investigators allegedly seized 30 grams worth of fentanyl pills, 12 grams of crack cocaine, several digital scales, a BB gun, and two 9mm rounds of ammunition.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In the final two minutes, Salaün grabbed two crucial rebounds, hit two free throws, and knocked down a clutch jumper that gave Golden State a 87-84 lead.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Howard added 22 points and grabbed a team-best eight rebounds, and Miles added 16 points and eight assists.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Shortly after he was apprehended.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
-
Daunte Pugh, 43, was apprehended by 45th Precinct detectives on Tuesday morning, officials said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nicked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nicked. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
