nipped 1 of 2

nipped

2 of 2

verb

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

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

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
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
Verb
Cristopher Sanchez worked six effective innings to become the majors’ first 16-game winner as the Philadelphia Phillies nipped the visiting Miami Marlins 6-5 on Monday. Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 The Stars attempted to deal Robertson to the Kraken, but Robertson nipped that in the bud. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 22 July 2026 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 Whatever the interpretation, unless it's nipped in the bud, it can be magnified by expansion across sites. Andrew Zhyvolovych, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Incumbent Mayor Terry Lynne nipped Jaime Rivas by 25 votes in Saturday's Farmers Branch mayoral runoff, according to final but unofficial returns. Doug Myers, CBS News, 14 June 2026 But Sweeney nipped that idea in the bud. Selome Hailu, Variety, 1 June 2026 To prove out the findings in real biology, Schramma stuck his arm back into the fish tank, nipped more leaves, and snapped microscope images of the cells within to measure Elodea’s actual packing fractions. Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2026 In 1968, an overzealous pup nipped a postman delivering mail to Balmoral Castle. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipped
Adjective
  • Add vanilla if desired, mix well and chill for one hour before serving in chilled parfait cups.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Cold, refreshing Dole Whip in between slices of chilled watermelon, topped with Tajin and chamoy.
    Teagan Davidge, Oc Register, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Samsung has successively shaved a few millimeters off every year, taking a leap last year with the Z Fold 7.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • While treating the disease, the 44-year-old shaved her head but has now been on the road to growing it out again.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • On the final play of the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason opener, backup quarterback Kyle Allen scrambled left and got pinched off near the sideline.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Nerves are effectively long cables running from the spinal cord out to the skin and muscles, and like any cable, they can be pinched.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • But Jacob Young worked the count, drew a walk, stole second and scored on Daylen Lile’s single to tie the game 2-2.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Thursday night, though, a different kind of football stole the spotlight at Sanford Stadium.
    Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Barrichello competed as an F1 driver for 19 seasons and has also raced as an IndyCar and stock car driver.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Drivers who raced in Sunday's Freedom 250 Grand Prix praised everything from the challenging street course to the one-of-a-kind setting surrounding it.
    Mike Stunson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • When Bill’s older brother Henry (Barry Ward) finds the pianist in numbed solitude in his dingy apartment, Bill has canceled all his upcoming gigs, saying Scotty cannot be replaced.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Ingber also notes the numbed response to these strikes from much of the American public, something that, in part, may come from the routine nature of these drone strikes as something that the nation has become desensitized to dropping bombs on enemies.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since it was designated the first national recreation area in 1964, hordes of visitors have cut Lake Mead’s glassy surface with jet skis and boats, carelessly dropping belongings that may now wash up on shore.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • First, prep your sandwich with any fillings, then place it into the cutter to cut and seal in one step.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Nipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipped. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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