nickel-and-dime

adjective

Definition of nickel-and-dimenext
as in small-time

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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 nickel-and-dime So, yes, Mercedes is not afraid to nickel-and-dime anyone with their compact sedan. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026 Full-service hotels like Marriott and InterContinental still offer a more inclusive experience, and international airlines like Qatar Airways don't nickel-and-dime you for luggage. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 The nickel-and-dime crack sales; the tickets for open containers — none of that mattered anymore. — Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025 With a comfy 16-point cushion entering the fourth quarter, though, Adelman turned to Jordan again to nickel-and-dime Jokic a few minutes of rest. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025 That’s caused the run game to fade and forced Patrick Mahomes to lean more into a nickel-and-dime approach. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Much of it has been nickel-and-dime stuff but with some big-name crooks. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2024 Trying to nickel-and-dime such an important player could have done more harm than good. — Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024 Southwest Airlines, which set itself apart from its nickel-and-dime competitors, will soon scrap its open-seat policy and charge folks for more legroom. — Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 26 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nickel-and-dime
  1. small-time
  2. petty
  3. worthless
Adjective
  • The drama, based on the true story of Jacksonville small-time criminal Bryan Bruton, stars Theo Rossi.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • No actress this century has been able to match Hathaway's slinky, shifty take on small-time thief Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of small-time
Adjective
  • Trump will depart sooner or later, the banners will be torn down and much of his petty talk will be and should be forgotten.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The players air their grievances, which are essentially a pile of petty conflicts and resentments that, as Alice warned, can be traced back to the team fracturing into cliques.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of petty
Adjective
  • The referee’s visual countdown may prove worthless if the player trotting off has his back to the official, which will invariably be the case.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • And since Jace’s death, she’s treated Baela as nothing more than a defective surveillance drone — a worthless piece of tech that never spots Vhagar.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of worthless

Browse Nearby Words

nicked (at)
nickel-and-dime
nickelodeon
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Cite this Entry

“Nickel-and-dime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nickel-and-dime. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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