1
as in chilly
having a low or subnormal temperature
bring a jacket, as it's a little nippy outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
blue cheese is a little too nippy for my taste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brisk
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed
racing around the neighborhood on a nippy scooter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
a nippy wind that chilled parade watchers to the bone
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 nippy
But despite the better performance, this car isn’t as nippy as dual motor Teslas, nor is the performance delivery so immediate.
—
James Morris, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
That from a man small in stature but nippy and tenacious, not to mention technically gifted—these characteristics have kept him at the top level in Spain.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Last night, Selena Gomez combated the nippy New York City weather with the outerwear trend du jour: the bathrobe.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
Mexico City generally has pretty balmy weather year-round, but temperatures can get a little nippy in the winter.
—Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nippy
James Morris, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
That from a man small in stature but nippy and tenacious, not to mention technically gifted—these characteristics have kept him at the top level in Spain.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Last night, Selena Gomez combated the nippy New York City weather with the outerwear trend du jour: the bathrobe.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
Mexico City generally has pretty balmy weather year-round, but temperatures can get a little nippy in the winter.
—Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nippy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nippy
Adjective
-
The fashion statement of the rangy frontman served a more practical purpose when three-fourths through the two-hour show, a torrent of wind whipped through the stadium, bringing with it a chilly downpour that would last the duration of the concert.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Paul Hollywood was presumably in his dressing room, putting on a crisp oxford shirt in a shade of blue meant to make his eyes pop—a vivid cerulean, a chilly Arctic sky, or, occasionally, a fuller, velvety navy just across the color wheel from his tan.—
Ruby Tandoh,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But now this metropolis of some 2 million people has more and more options for later in the day, ranging from an intimate dining counter where a local chef nerds out about indigenous ingredients to a sleek izakaya bar where the city’s scene-seeking gastronomes gather for spicy tuna hand rolls.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Pepper jelly is the secret to perfectly caramelized pork chops packed with sweet and spicy flavor.—
Brennan Long,
Southern Living,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
And, importantly, market across the world are appearing to price in relatively brisk activity.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Half of the group followed a Mediterranean diet while also incorporating additional lifestyle changes, including cutting about 600 calories a day, adding moderate exercise (like brisk walking or light strength training), and receiving professional weight-loss support.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Trump’s new data mandate could have a chilling effect.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The tragedy came just days after Emily shared her ongoing struggles in a chilling video on social media, authorities said.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The former includes espresso, americano, cappucino, latte, chaga mocha, cold brew and drip coffee.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Coco Cold Brew tops coconut water over ice with cold brew foam.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The flower is expected to bloom over the coming week, and once in full bloom will emit its pungent odor for only 48 hours.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
-
In addition to security concerns, Sun Fresh spent a significant amount of time and resources working to locate a pungent sewage smell many customers complained about.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The tiny birds, named for the rapid beat of their wings, arrive in the Midwest each spring before making their way south again as the weather begins to cool.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
To the consternation of some local residents and environmentalists, the rapid growth of Starbase has wiped out the small and eclectic community that existed here.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The chillest yak in Zootopia — voiced by the equally chill Tommy Chong of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong — is back for Zootopia 2. Like Chong, Yax is enlightened and laidback as the owner of a naturist club.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
This little slice of heaven in Northwest Austin is far less crowded, the vibe is gloriously chill, and – plot twist!—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nippy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nippy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share