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
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
  • The fallout, which sparked criticisms that Disney was caving on free-speech issues and drew some threats from Hollywood talent to stop working with the company, shaved more than $4 billion off its market value last week.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • While solid materials can easily be shaved down, these chambers need to have enough space for coolant to travel through channels.
    Gwendolyn Rak, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Traveling has gotten even more difficult in recent weeks after Doreen pinched a nerve in her spine and is now unable to lift Dan’s scooter.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Jean stepped out as Nia approached—lean and arrogant, a cigarette pinched between her lips.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yes, Gein dug up graves and stole body parts.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Swift stole Smashing Machine‘s Dolby Cinemas.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Crystal Palace manager raced down the touchline, both fists pumping, before joining a group hug with his coaching staff.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Jarren Duran lined a low single through the left side of the infielder, and Eaton raced home.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cover and shake until chilled and mixed, about 15 seconds.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, the dish can also be pre-chilled to serve cold dishes as well.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Vance said one portion of Democrats are making unreasonable demands to restore more than $1 trillion over the next decade in healthcare spending that was cut earlier this year.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Training, professional development, and the Safe Cities Partnership are among the areas cut.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 3 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
  • Whitlock saw enormous success with the ’21 club after the Red Sox swiped him from the Yankees in Rule 5 Draft.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
  • One Philadelphia fan said seven tickets acquired for their brother’s bachelor party were swiped sometime before the day of the game.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipped. Accessed 5 Oct. 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!