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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nicking
Midway through the first half, Marko Arnautovic got on the end of a long ball before nicking it past onrushing goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
28 June 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
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
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
28 June 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
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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In December 1922, two Black men were abducted from the Pilot Point jail after being accused of stealing horses.
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Wolfson and her friends would try the stunts at home, stealing shopping carts to push each other into curbs.
Verb
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Set the scene Set in a handsome Edwardian building off The Strand, One Aldywch is an arresting presence, not least because of the jutting angle of the front end of its facade (New York's Flatiron will spring to mind).
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Police might no longer need to issue written warnings and give people a chance to gather their belongings and relocate before arresting them for public camping.
Verb
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The company has been working on AI matchmaking and plans to ditch swiping in the last three months of the year in select markets.
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It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, one of the most hydrating ingredients, and aloe water, so swiping it on is like refreshing your complexion with a cool glass of water.
Verb
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Authorities served a search warrant at the rescue on May 1, seizing electronics, business records, financial records, firearms, and other evidence, according to the sheriff.
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For leadership teams worldwide, this requires striking a careful balance between responding to immediate disruption and seizing arising opportunities to bolster growth.
Verb
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Americans are grabbing their passports and fleeing the country in hopes of leaving the nation’s problems behind.
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Swanson argues those behind-the-scenes improvements have done more to modernize logistics than many of the industry’s headline-grabbing automation projects.
Verb
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Police posted video of the raid on social media, showing officers collecting evidence at the scene and apprehending the suspect.
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The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service and New Mexico State Police assisted in apprehending Jones, Hann said.
Cite this Entry
“Nicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nicking. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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