nip 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of nipnext
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

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2
as in shred
a very small amount I'll have just a nip of your sandwich

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3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness there's a nip in the air today

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nip

2 of 3

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

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nip

3 of 3

verb

ˈnip How to pronounce nip (audio)
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to pinch
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

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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

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4
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly I'll just nip off to the corner store for some milk

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
The market is doing the Fed’s job Kevin Warsh’s argument for an ultimately lower Fed funds rate may rely on the notion that financial conditions are likely to tighten further on the long end of the yield curve—far outweighing any nips to the base rate the central bank can make. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 May 2026 The department noted that the suspects were in possession of alcoholic nip bottles and marijuana at the time of their arrest. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
Verb
As the defender swung his leg at the ball, Yamal nipped in ahead of him and was accidentally kicked by Digne. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 The president and his team did their best to nip the Epstein story in the bud. — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
  1. spice
  2. shred
  3. chill
  4. sip
  5. shave
  6. pinch
  7. steal
  8. hurry
Noun
  • Made with warm spices, vanilla, maple, and citrus, and drizzled with lemon icing, this homey cake is a bright spin on a classic.
    — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Where some meat sticks can be dry, tough, or overly processed, these are remarkably tender with a satisfying snap, plus a smoky, savory flavor with just enough spice to keep each bite interesting.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • To get on Fauci’s good side was to earn his confidence, his respect, and the benefits of his network of resources; to land on his bad side was to be carved into shreds inside his office, the worst of his rampages audible through the closed door.
    — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • The congress has repeatedly amended the constitution to concentrate power in Ortega’s hands and eliminate any shred of democratic independence and dissent in the country.
    — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of shred
Noun
  • Simply mix the ingredients to combine, roll into a log, and chill until ready to use.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Miriam wore a navy-blue task jacket to ward off the loose chill of the morning.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill
Noun
  • And any drink needs a spot to rest in between sips, which is why a pretty side table is essential.
    — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026
  • Molly Sims enjoys some summertime sips of Santa Margherita Wines in the Hamptons on July 26.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Definition of sip
Verb
  • Company demo footage also shows the reverse gear doubling as a cleanup tool, letting the mower retrace a path to shave down long grass more than twice its own height.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
  • That pattern is your case for a warranty claim — not a reason to shave more aggressively.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • While pinching the wraps in your fingers, pull the tag end slowly.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
  • While the actress’ shoes have a rounded front, this pair has a square toe that helps your feet splay naturally and doesn’t pinch your toes.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
Definition of pinch
Verb
  • De La Cruz hit three doubles, stole two bases and had an RBI.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Russia would be interested in stealing political secrets, such as Japan’s future policy on Ukraine.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Just bearing witness to the marketing for all these murder-mysteries is enough to make any discerning viewer desperate for Hollywood to hurry up and start chasing the next trend already.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
  • Wilson arced a left-footed pass into the perfect space for the Italian, whose shot was hurried and saved by Arthur Okonkwo.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of hurry

Phrases Containing nip

Browse Nearby Words

ninnyhammers
nip
nip and tuck
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Cite this Entry

“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nip

Nglish: Translation of nip for Spanish Speakers

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