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
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
While our personal faves are the natural nips, the brand also offers smooth nipple covers.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Then Kyle Shanahan nipped the situation in the bud on Thursday.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Noun
Let’s nip this in the bud—yes, Jack Daniel’s is Tennessee whiskey that is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before barreling, part of the Lincoln County Process.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
While our personal faves are the natural nips, the brand also offers smooth nipple covers.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
The Ford Ranger has been Europe's sales leader among pickup trucks for the past decade, but the Hilux has long been nipping closely at its heels as a strong number 2 contender.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Then Kyle Shanahan nipped the situation in the bud on Thursday.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
-
Eger’s blonde hair was shaved and her earrings were pulled off, leaving her ears bleeding.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
-
But now, federal prosecutors say Hennen is the fixer behind the biggest point-shaving scandal in history, accused of bribing 39 college players, corrupting 17 programs and fixing — or trying fix — 29 games to enrich himself and other gamblers.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Non-wealthy Americans, though, have been feeling more and more pinched.—
Trevor Bach,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The strap is pinched at the center and features two open slits on each side.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Around 2015, upstarts like Chobani or BodyArmor began stealing market share from legacy brands.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Another alleged member of the Latin Kings was charged in federal court in the District of Minnesota this month with being a felon in possession of a firearm and theft of government property after breaking into an FBI vehicle and stealing a rifle.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Topdot Graphene Fleece Heated Jacket If a fleecy teddy coat is more your style, hurry to snag this one at 29 percent off.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Feb. 2026
-
In the wake of the killings of Renee Good and then Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, federal officials hurried to television cameras and social media accounts.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With the benefit of hindsight, analysts and investors have blamed much of Kraft Heinz’s downward spiral on the brutal cost-cutting strategy imposed after the merger.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Beijing has spent decades growing its trade ties and bankrolling projects in the region, to boost transportation links and cut energy costs – cementing its own influence along the way.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
According to her mother, the group held onto her as long as possible, which gave rescuers time to respond.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Nancy Guthrie’s church community has also been holding her and her family in prayer.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Others have tried to swipe popular ad mascots and put them in the service of a rival.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Home security camera footage captured a suspect wearing black clothing and glasses swiping the bear off the front porch of the Lakeshore Drive home.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The woman was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to her injuries, according to police and the ski lift operator.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
-
While this market has those preconditions—a revolutionary technology and spectacular profit growth—the cycle has not yet reached the terminal phase where insiders rush for the exits.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
1 Feb. 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 5 Feb. 2026.
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