1
as in shaved
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in stole
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 raced
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nipped
Katie Abel, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
The winger nipped in and poked the ball through to Diego Gomez, who had already pushed up to press Chalobah for the previous pass.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
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
Ohtani struck out him out looking twice, once on a backdoor sweeper and once on a 101 mph fastball that nipped the corner.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025
Two bedrooms on the top floor each have a private bath, and two more nipped down in the basement share a hall bath.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Where Hailey will opt for sumptuous faux furs and nipped in waists, Justin is most comfortable in big hoodies and bigger shorts.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
But their muffled offense and less-than-optimal legs were no match Sunday for the Ducks, who nipped a two-game slump in the bud and moved seven points back of idle Calgary for the last available playoff spot in the West.
—Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 9 Mar. 2025
But Arlington intercepted a pass and junior wing Drew Beck nipped one right over the blocker of Farese.
—Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
One standout style, with its elongated pointed nipped toe, is crafted in carbon fiber and galvanized in a car factory.
—Katie Abel, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
However, Lefty nipped the rumor in the bud by posting on X that there is no chance of this happening.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
The winger nipped in and poked the ball through to Diego Gomez, who had already pushed up to press Chalobah for the previous pass.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
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
Ohtani struck out him out looking twice, once on a backdoor sweeper and once on a 101 mph fastball that nipped the corner.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025
Two bedrooms on the top floor each have a private bath, and two more nipped down in the basement share a hall bath.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Where Hailey will opt for sumptuous faux furs and nipped in waists, Justin is most comfortable in big hoodies and bigger shorts.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
But their muffled offense and less-than-optimal legs were no match Sunday for the Ducks, who nipped a two-game slump in the bud and moved seven points back of idle Calgary for the last available playoff spot in the West.
—Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 9 Mar. 2025
But Arlington intercepted a pass and junior wing Drew Beck nipped one right over the blocker of Farese.
—Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipped
Verb
-
They may also be shaved in patches on their legs, for IV access to keep the pet comfortable and safe during any surgical procedure, according to the Mayfield Veterinary Clinic.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The shot clock, normally at 24 seconds in a real game, is shaved to five.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Nelson later explained that the explosion happened after the antenna lines pinched the battery layers together, causing a short circuit.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Some even report being pinched and yanked at while in the room, staff say the pincher is the ghost of a homeless little girl who occupied the vacant prison during the Great Depression.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
An Air Force veteran stole North Carolina military members’ identities to steal rental cars and ship them to Africa and rent apartments and repost them on Airbnb, according to federal court documents.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The incident began at Dick's Sports Goods in Chambersburg, where Foy and two others, Amir Swift, 21, and Giani Jaida McGowan, 21, allegedly stole over $1,000 worth of merchandise from the store.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After a replay review confirmed the second-down call, Auburn’s offense raced to the line in tush-push formation — the running backs behind Arnold, ready to shove him forward — on third down.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
-
In the second quarter, Dunbar’s offense found some life with a stellar play from quarterback Marcus McDade, who faked a handoff and raced 47 yards for a touchdown while making a few defenders miss tackles.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This can sit in the cupholder of their hot car for hours still deliver a satisfying, chilled slurp.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Sip a chilled glass of rosé at the waters-edge on the terrace of the Welcome Hotel and watch the world go by.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Timberview had cut the lead to 32-22 but couldn’t stop the Jaguars’ rushing attack.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The Philippine Fault Zone, which cuts across the archipelago, is one of many active faults responsible for significant seismic events.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The rapper, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested in September 2024.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
That means every state budget could be held hostage until the whims of a small fraction of legislators is satisfied.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
New York City has its Empire State Building, the iconic skyscraper from atop which King Kong swiped at attacking biplanes in the 1933 film before hurtling to his demise.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
-
After a brief scuffle between the two players, Noel held on to the ball, though Alexander swiped his hand at him in frustration as tensions rose.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipped. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share