1
as in spice
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses
the barbecue sauce has a nip to it that balances out the sweetness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shred
a very small amount
I'll have just a nip of your sandwich
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
there's a nip in the air today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
I'm just going to nip these hedges, and then I'll be done with the work outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
that guy nipped my wallet from the restaurant table when I turned away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly
I'll just nip off to the corner store for some milk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of nip
Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
This extra, low-effort step makes guests feel especially welcome, as well as nips any potential musical chairs awkwardness in the bud.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
Nate Peterson, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Dry out humid environments to nip dust mite activity.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Noun
But some of the richest and most varied outfit ideas around nip-and-tuck trousers lately have been spotted on the streets during fashion month.
—Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
This extra, low-effort step makes guests feel especially welcome, as well as nips any potential musical chairs awkwardness in the bud.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
Pueblo has maintained just a narrow few-point lead on Air Academy for most of Thursday, but head coach Tyler Lundquist was hardly concerned about the nipping Kadets.
—Nate Peterson, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Dry out humid environments to nip dust mite activity.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
-
Stone said parts of the Bible instructs people how to shave.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Two pumps of the stuff should cover your entire face and give you enough slip to shave comfortably and without irritation.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
However, that kind of financially freewheeling behavior has placed the Dolphins in their present cap hell, dwelling in an accounting mess the franchise will spend the next season pinching pennies for, forced to navigate their way out of.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Check your seedlings daily and pinch out intruders.—
Marianne Willburn,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The suspect vehicle in a shooting at the United States consulate in Toronto this week has been found and police on Thursday said that it was stolen.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Your 2nd House of Materials begins hosting the Moon today, drawing attention to budgets and routines that build security without stealing focus from larger goals.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The district was represented by general counsel Devora Navera Reed as well as by an outside counsel who hurried to the scene.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
But hurry—the sale ends tonight.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even as Michigan State came roaring back in the second half, cutting the lead to just two in the final minute, UCLA never flinched.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Orangefield cut the lead to 8 points a couple of times late in the game, but Cobb made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 46 seconds to keep the Bobcats at bay.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Balat and Kayumi were being held without bail after their court appearance on charges that include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The lawsuit also claims that the federal government had not conducted an environmental review of the project or held a meeting for public comment.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Gently swipe the swab across the sensor, using single, smooth strokes in one direction.—
Jacob Little,
Space.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Other reviews say the smell is powdery and clean, which is tolerable for swiping it on daily.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Local authorities from the Yunnan Institute of Cultural Relics and archaeology rushed to the scene to investigate.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Last year, state lawmakers rushed to pass last-minute legislation designed to address VMT’s numerous flaws.—
Jeff Montejano,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Video
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?
We're gonna stop you right there
Cite this Entry
“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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