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
Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
Collective action at the global level is necessary to blunt the worst effects of climate change and nip future pandemics in the bud.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
Barry Scanlon, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
The second and fourth pitches of the at-bat seemed to nip the strike zone, but Reyburn didn’t see it that way and Ohtani’s walk forced in a run – only the third of the series for the Dodgers.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for nip
Noun
For sand fleas, a tiny critter that nips at ankles on Gulf beaches at dawn and dusk, try essential oil repellents.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
Collective action at the global level is necessary to blunt the worst effects of climate change and nip future pandemics in the bud.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
Verb
The 36-hole championship match will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Downes nipped Joseph Lenane of George Wright Golf Club in a terrific semifinal which went 19 holes.
—Barry Scanlon, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
The second and fourth pitches of the at-bat seemed to nip the strike zone, but Reyburn didn’t see it that way and Ohtani’s walk forced in a run – only the third of the series for the Dodgers.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
-
Bypassing the extensive zoning and civil engineering foundational work required for new structures can shave off months, if not years, from the overall project timeline.—
Dr. Dick Bridy,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
There is no law against eating, reading, adjusting the radio or shaving your body while driving.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Some species, such as petunias or dahlias, can be invigorated by pinching the main stem off or pruning away about one-third of the plant to encourage more new growth and flowers.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
15 Aug. 2025
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Could the group get pinched to take an extra DL, corner or another position?—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The big story At a time when U.S. trade tariffs on India have been making headlines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tax relief plans have stolen some of the media limelight.—
Ayushi Jindal,
CNBC,
21 Aug. 2025
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Last month, a man in Chicago stole a vehicle with a 7-month-old child inside, then abandoned the vehicle in the sweltering heat with the tot inside.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Young, who had to hurry because of Urias’ speed, picked the ball up with his bare hand, turned and fired an errant throw to first base, allowing Urias to reach.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Before the new regulations, says Annie Inglis, Marine Biology Presenter with Quark, the expedition crew would be hurrying to get guests in Zodiacs to try to get closer to a bear sighting like this.—
Cassidy Randall,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But after Russia’s defeat at the hands of the British in the costly 1854-56 Crimean War, Tsar Nicholas II decided to cut his losses and relinquish the difficult-to-defend Alaska.—
Dan Morrison,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
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But analysis by the Congressional Budget Office shows that raising the age to 69 - up from the current 67 - could cut lifetime benefits by up to 13 percent for anyone born after 1971.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Tennessee's whiskey and automotive industries hold the biggest stake statewide in President Donald Trump's looming trade war.—
Hadley Hitson,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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The district will also hold a community listening session from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Wales Elementary School, 219 N. Oak Crest Drive, Wales. Video from an Aug. 14 community listening session can be found at rb.gy/m7iy3s. Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This is the no-judgment, real-world talk that everyone deserves to hear before swiping right in college — or anywhere.—
Jill Grimes,
CNN Money,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The universe does encourage you to keep swiping away on those apps, though.—
Zoe Pearl,
New Yorker,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Ashton Jeanty shrugged off a poor opening performance in the preseason by rushing for 33 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries last week.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
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The Broncos will likely see the Brown who led the Bulls in both passing yards and rushing yards (809) in 2023.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Aug. 2025
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 29 Aug. 2025.
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