nickel-and-dime

Definition of nickel-and-dimenext

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 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 Love or hate Apple, the company’s nickel-and-dime approach to cables, dongles, and chargers primed people to believe reports like this. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2023 Finally, though, the Bengals didn’t nickel-and-dime a deal to death. Jason Williams, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nickel-and-dime
Adjective
  • Song Sung Blue centers on Mike Sardina (Jackman), a recovering alcoholic, Vietnam veteran and small-time musician working as a mechanic to support his love for performing, and Claire Stengl (Hudson), a struggling single mother who moonlights as a Patsy Cline impersonator.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
  • This level of dealmaking far exceeds the bowling alley bets and small-time street gambles that have shaped Marty’s way of moving in the world, and Rockwell represents the kind of ruthless American capitalism and competition that requires humiliation and subjugation.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Angel went for a respectful middle-of-the-road jab — complimenting her parenting and resilience, but maligning her for being petty.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Who is not petty or vindictive.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The gain from a call option would exceed the return on the stock alone, but involves greater risk than simply buying the stock because the contracts can expire worthless.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
  • When Ukraine agreed to give up the nuclear weapons on its soil in the mid-1990s, Russia provided a security guarantee that proved worthless.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

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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 10 Jan. 2026.

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