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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
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
Walker Buehler and three relievers combined on a five-hitter as the Philadelphia Phillies nipped the visiting Miami Marlins 1-0 on Thursday. Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 David Dahlquist, the acting deputy director of the DOJ's antitrust civil litigation division, argued for a remedy that could nip a potential Google AI monopoly in the bud and that would address all ways users access Google search. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
  • To get into character for the role, the actor shaved his head, replacing his locks with a combover, and adjusted his posture to appear nearly a foot shorter.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Even as an advocate for working hard—especially in the office—JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon admitted that technology will likely shave off the need to work five days a week.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Phillies, having already dipped into their bench, could not pinch run for Nick Castellanos (who was the tying run) on second base.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Pruning Young chocolate cosmos plants benefit from pinching back early the growing season.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Baltasar Rodriguez had stolen the ball from an Atlanta defender and crossed the ball to Messi.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Look no further than Saturday’s Game 5, when both the Cubs and Brewers used an opener followed by a bulk reliever, and rookie Misiorowski stole the show with four strong innings to help the Brewers advance.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But with victory comes hustle as stores hurried to fill the demand of playoff gear.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Duane heard the shooting and hurried around to help.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The organization is also working with ranchers to establish prescribed burn associations to manage the damaging plants and is organizing community cutting days to reduce woody encroachment further.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Store cut or cooked squash in an airtight zip-top bag or container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But as Muttaqi went about a public relations blitz in India and held talks with Indian officials, deadly clashes erupted along the Durand Line border between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent days.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Lyon has earned the net Alex Lyon was playing his fourth game in seven days and still held steady for most of the night.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Eight, maybe nine years removed from swiping worms from the corner store and lifting loose change from cars in the mall parking lot.
    Allen Iverson, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
  • After the fumble, head coach Jonathan Gannon was incensed and got into the face of Demercado, making physical contact and swiping at him.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kim rushed home to find Kris lying on a stretcher with a neck brace.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Robinson rushed for 170 yards on 19 carries with an 81-yard touchdown that blew this game wide open in favor of the home team.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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