nipped 1 of 2

past tense of nip
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
as in pinched
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

nipped

2 of 2

adjective

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
Adjective
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 The bodycon, nipped waist silhouette is a go-to for Kardashian. Mikelle Street, WWD, 17 Feb. 2025 Knits were slouchy but perfectly contoured to a woman's body, jackets nipped at the waist and layered over A-line skirts and sporty trousers, fuzzy bag charms and belt charms unite, and tasteful pops of color highlight earthy tones. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 Schar nipped in and dispossessed him, allowing Anthony Gordon to double their lead. Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipped
Verb
  • Her mother, brother, and aunt shaved their heads as well.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Per a Vogue cover story earlier this month, the actress’ head was shaved in real time during a scene in the movie.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Chinese consumers have even reported an increase in finger injuries as they get trapped or pinched.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Then Shelton’s shoulder pinched.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The writers’ allegations echoed dozens of other lawsuits brought by authors, news outlets, visual artists and others who say that tech companies stole their work to use in AI training.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In December of that year, court records show that Bramble stole a City of Norwood Public Works pickup, fled from officers from at least two agencies and then tried to run away with a knife in his hand.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Having only raced four times in her career, this Brad Cox trainee strutted her stuff on August 28 in an allowance race on opening day at this Franklin, Kentucky track.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The tone was set on the opening play from scrimmage when defensive back John Nestor picked off a pass and raced 29 yards down the Northwestern State sideline for a touchdown that put the Gophers on top 7-0.
    Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ice creams, frozen desserts and super-chilled sodas take on a new appeal in sticky summer heat.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Double strain into chilled coupe, express and garnish with a lemon peel.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Initially lined up outside, Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones quickly cut inside to beat the right tackle.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • On the northeast of the fire, by Sugar Pine Mountain, crews worked in steep, inaccessible terrain to bring containment lines into the natural rock bluff, trying to cut the fire off south of the Wishon Reservoir for the protection of the critical hydroelectric infrastructure.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 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
  • Iglesias stayed in the game and even immediately swiped second base before ultimately exiting the game in the seventh inning as the Padres, in a 2-2, before Luis Arraez pinch-hit for Iglesias in the seventh inning.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In a move that would make April Ludgate proud, Aubrey Plaza swiped some notes from then Vice President Joe Biden.
    Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipped. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on nipped

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!