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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nicking
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
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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He would ultimately be arrested and convicted of seven counts of fraud and conspiracy, stealing as much as $10 billion from customers.—
Clara Molot,
Vanity Fair,
17 Mar. 2026
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Mug shots over an 8-year period for stealing cars, forging checks and running scams didn't stop Robinson from building trust and respect after creating a new identity as Mike King, a business owner and high-profile bodyguard to Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The arresting officer wrote that Baird showed multiple signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol, watery and glassy eyes and difficulty standing without assistance.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
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Finding indigenous Iranians who can lead this charge will not be easy, given the regime’s decades of hollowing out the opposition by killing or arresting dissidents with leadership skills.—
Dennis Ross,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For concealer pots, swiping your finger or brush in once should be enough to start.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
19 Mar. 2026
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Some were under the influence of cannabis or alcohol up to the legal limit; others were making calls on handheld devices; still others were swiping to change the music and navigation on Apple- or Android-enabled touch screens.—
Rachel Swan,
San Francisco Chronicle,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Behind the scenes, Rajner was an in-your-face advocate, seizing every opportunity — in corridors, elevators, even restrooms — to press the issue and keep it in front of Republican and Democratic lawmakers.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
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Gil Messing, the Chief of Staff of Check Point, an Israeli cybersecurity company, said the FBI seizing the Handala site would help combat the perception of Iran’s cyber ability.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mark was fouled after grabbing the ensuing loose ball and made both free throws to ice the game, 77-71.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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The video, filmed by Mortensen, appears to show Paul hitting, grabbing and throwing three barstools at him.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That process has effectively scared many people away from filling out paperwork to recertify with Medi-Cal due to fears of being outed by the federal government, which is cracking down on undocumented immigrants by apprehending and deporting them.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
22 Mar. 2026
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Even before the positive results are in, Matteo turns out to be a chip off the old block by joining McGee in apprehending the kidnapper, a vengeful TURF staff cook.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nicking. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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