NICKEL-AND-DIME Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

nickel-and-dime

adjective

Definition of nickel-and-dime

as in small-time

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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

Adjective

There may not be quite as many small-time sailors in the harbor this time, owing to the rigidity that has become inevitable since the 9/11 attacks, but plenty of weekend captains will make their way here.

— Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026
Zhang, delivering his first fully Cantonese-language performance on the big screen, portrays a repressed small-time man caught between competing versions of reality.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 June 2026

Definition of small-time

Adjective

Less social cohesion A decade ago, crime was infrequent and petty.

— Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 9 July 2026
The general reaction to the policy has been overwhelmingly positive, Xue said, aside from some remarks on social media that charging for a smashed teacup was a petty move.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of petty

Adjective

Still, Twain squandered his own fortune and Livy’s inheritance on developing Paige’s invention, even as the Mergenthaler Linotype became the industry standard, rendering Paige’s machine worthless.

— Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Bitcoin is either digital gold or worthless.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of worthless

Browse Nearby Words

nicked (at)

nickel-and-dime

nickelodeon

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Style

“Nickel-and-dime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nickel-and-dime. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of nickel-and-dime

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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