1
as in stealing
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arresting
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
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Recent Examples of nicking
The replay showed the pitch nicking the outside corner, the call was overturned, Bell was out, and Shelton argued.
—
CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
If the outer coating is exceptionally hard, seeds may need even more help by nicking the seed coat before soaking.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 12 Mar. 2026
Squash Beets Beans Pumpkin Corn Chard Super hard seeds like beans will benefit from nicking the seed coat with a sandpaper block, file, or sharp knife before soaking.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
If the outer coating is exceptionally hard, seeds may need even more help by nicking the seed coat before soaking.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 12 Mar. 2026
Squash Beets Beans Pumpkin Corn Chard Super hard seeds like beans will benefit from nicking the seed coat with a sandpaper block, file, or sharp knife before soaking.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nicking
Verb
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The Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves both bounced back by stealing Game 2 on the road in their respective series.—
Geoff Clark OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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In November, the Justice Department charged the Florida Democrat with stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for her campaign.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The video shows Timothy Brown's arrest last week in Brooklyn, in which the arresting officers can be seen repeatedly punching him, and shoving him to the ground.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
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The raid left Charlotte’s Latin American population reeling but ICE agents kept up the pace statewide after the Border Patrol left, arresting an average of about 20 people per day in December, January and February.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In a four-game span, the Philadelphia 76ers star received a technical foul for shoving Donte DiVincenzo, and flagrant fouls for dragging Mitchell Robinson to the floor and swiping Brunson in the head.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
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And who is swiping Fed Ex packages from all those lovely porches and patios?—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Road closures have been seizing the country’s leafy capital, as vans disgorge military style kit bags and American personnel to match at top hotels.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
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Human Rights Watch said authorities have taken sweeping steps to curb religious practice, including tearing down churches and crosses, blocking gatherings at unregistered churches and seizing religious materials not approved by the state.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land the blocking tight end Friday night, grabbing him in the second round with the 56th selection.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
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The Seahawks stayed put yet again at the end of the second round, grabbing TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th pick.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Just before the 2026 season, former Glory defensive tackle and eight-time All-Pro Syreeta Gapelu brought even more attention to the team by tackling and apprehending a man attempting to steal her car.—
PJ Green
April 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
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Los Angeles ran from 2009 to 2023, centered around the high-stakes world of a division of NCIS that is charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals, who pose a threat to the nation’s security.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nicking. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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