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nip

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noun (2)

as in sip
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time give me just a nip of milk to help me swallow this pill

Synonyms & Similar Words

nip

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verb

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
as in to pinch
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nip
Noun
Opposite is the fat and welcoming British Library, composed of 10 million bricks, a number that merely nips at the toes of the 60-million-brick St. Pancras Hotel next door. Francesca Carington, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025 The affection can build up and lead to a slight nip at each other. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Texas Roadhouse on Thursday evening showed momentum in April that blunted inflation risk nipping at its heels. Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 11 May 2025 Alex Caruso nipped at Nikola Jokic’s ankles like a chihuahua on a double espresso. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
  • An article published that year by The New York Times notes that Davis shaved the front of her head for the part.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • To begin, researchers tried to mimic sun exposure by shaving the dorsal skin of mice and applying cis-urocanic acid (dissolved in water).
    Jay Kakade June 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Taylor watched the game from the dugout until the ninth inning when he was summoned to pinch run and play left field.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • For larger seedlings like beans, some gardeners just use their fingernails to pinch off the stems.
    Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Sophomore infielder Luke Nixon was responsible for half of them, stealing 14 in 16 attempts.
    Mitch Light, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Listen to this article An NYPD cop stomped into critical condition by a pair of Bronx muggers who stole his gun was released from the hospital Wednesday.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Snag a pair before the sale ends on May 26 at 8 a.m. Eastern, and hurry, because popular styles and sizes are sure to fly off the (virtual) shelves.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Aunt Phoebe hurries the girls home — to their residences and to the Red Center — before any cloak-red blood gets spilled.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • In a series of posts on social media, the National Weather Service warned that that twisters could be cutting across the central and southern part of the metro.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Tuesday’s briefing that Vought would continue to cut spending, hinting that there could be additional efforts to return funds.
    Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • The Tribune is not identifying the other three candidates as the interviews are still in progress and some currently hold positions elsewhere.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • The two were known for hosting parties and held a coveted status as leaders of Hollywood’s original Rat Pack.
    Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • At the moment, users have to press and hold the AirPods stem or swipe on it to enable it.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
  • From 2005-08, Sizemore was a five-tool center fielder who hit homers, piled up doubles, drew walks, swiped bases and played award-winning defense.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Questions rushed through my head: What are my clothes going to look like?
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • Medics rushed Ellis to Jamaica Hospital but he could not be saved.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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