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
Elsewhere, a glass of orange juice propped on the side of an easel seemed to hint at an artist who just nipped out for a break. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025 Yet, the club still nipped the Lakers on 2024-25 revenue, $620 million to $618 million, thanks to the playoff run—the Lakers lost in the first round. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2025 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipped
Adjective
  • Add ice to a tall narrow glass pulled from the freezer and add chilled whisky.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As mentioned above, chilled dough is best for these cookies.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Baldwin's Sweet Shop - Also in Aiea is Baldwin's Sweet Shop, a modest but longtime favorite place to get local candies, snacks and shave ice (no, it's not shaved).
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Come to see Stone get her head shaved, stay for big laughs, darkly incisive commentary, and incredible performances from Stone, Plemons, and newcomer Aidan Delbis in this absurdist black comedy.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The basketball star playfully pinched his son’s cheek after the United States team beat Venezuela.
    Alexandra Hurtado, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Soon after, the bust got pinched.
    David Kushner, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just hours before the thieves quietly stole the historic coins, four chainsaw-wielding thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris using a ladder boosted by a mechanical boom truck to force a window open at the famed museum and steal millions of dollars worth of jewelry.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Boasting a skinny heel and pointy toe, Williams’ patent leather heels stole the spotlight at the event, which was held at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo, Spain.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Brands raced to expand through new stores and soaring stock keeping units — using quantity as the main measure of success.
    Li Jun, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2025
  • When Quentin Grimes appeared to have an open fast-break dunk, González raced across the court to foul him at the rim.
    Jay King, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The veteran coach believes the solution to the problem is to cut some games off the 82-game schedule, a view shared by Cleveland Cavaliers coach (and former Kerr assistant) Kenny Atkinson, who recently advocated for a 72-game season.
    Nick Friedell, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The 10-year Treasury yield was little changed Friday following this week’s interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve and the central bank’s more hawkish tone on future policy.
    Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask, CNBC, 31 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipped. Accessed 6 Nov. 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!