Synonyms of nicking

nicking

verb

present participle of nick, British slang

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

• stealing
• swiping
• grabbing
• pilfering
• filching
• snatching
• pinching
• robbing
• lifting
• thieving
• appropriating
• nipping
• purloining
• pocketing
• misappropriating
• hooking
• snitching
• hijacking
• boosting
• picking
• ripping off
• taking
• heisting
• making off with
• running off with
• plundering
• making away with
• seizing
• looting
• pillaging
• sacking
• walking off with
• burglarizing
• rifling
• knocking over
• poaching
• shoplifting
• nailing
• rustling
• grasping
• abducting
• mooching
• spiriting
• collaring
• sponging
• kidnapping
• carjacking
• shanghaiing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• buying
• purchasing
• giving
• presenting
• contributing
• donating
• bestowing
• handing over

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

• arresting
• seizing
• grabbing
• apprehending
• restraining
• pinching
• detaining
• snatching
• nailing
• committing
• nabbing
• capturing
• busting
• catching
• running in
• jailing
• collaring
• pulling in
• trapping
• snaring
• imprisoning
• picking up
• hooking
• bagging
• confining
• incarcerating
• grappling
• getting
• landing
• handcuffing
• holding
• binding
• snapping (up)
• locking (up)
• interning
• jugging
• fettering
• shackling
• immuring
• enchaining
• remanding
• manacling
• trammeling
• rearresting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharging
• springing
• releasing
• loosening
• freeing
• loosing
• liberating
• emancipating
• unchaining
• unbinding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nicking

Zabi almost capped his 15-minute masterclass with a goal, nicking the ball deep inside his own half and running 60 yards with the ball, slotting his finish marginally wide. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

The would-be assassin in Butler positioned himself on a roof left unsecured, nicking the president’s ear with a bullet. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife. — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026

The replay showed the pitch nicking the outside corner, the call was overturned, Bell was out, and Shelton argued. — CBS News, 30 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