1
as in freezing
having a low or subnormal temperature
a group of campers waking up to the nipping air of a Rocky Mountain morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
better wear a windbreaker if you're going sailing in this nipping wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in shaving
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in stealing
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
that guy nipped my wallet from the restaurant table when I turned away
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in hurrying
to proceed or move quickly
I'll just nip off to the corner store for some milk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of nipping
Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 21 June 2023
But recent editorials in The People’s Daily—the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship publication—continued to call on China’s population to stick with its approach of staying vigilant and nipping outbreaks in the bud.
—Sha Hua, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022
Likewise, her rep handled the announcements about the Bidens' rambunctious rescue dog, Major, who's been involved in several nipping incidents and has to undergo off-site behavior training.
—USA Today, 27 Apr. 2021
The nipping incident comes a few weeks after the dog caused a minor injury to someone else at the White House.
—Tim Perry, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2021
Del Mar extended its current winning streak to a season-best three in a row by first nipping Lincoln and then nudging San Jose 48-46.
—Dave Mendonca, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2017
Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 30 May 2026
The series builds to his final French Open in 2024 when Father Time was nipping at his heels, navicular, hip, back and everything else.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Exactly one year after nipping Marist in the state finals at Duluth’s Cecil Morris Field, the Blessed Trinity Titans did it again in an identical manner, edging Marist 1-0 in the GHSA Class 4A girls’ soccer state championship game on Friday night.
—Jeff Gable, AJC.com, 16 May 2026
But Loyola is nipping at their heels.
—Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Tired of the nipping Chihuahuas’ defense against him, Jokic let the official have it early on, getting a technical.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2026
After all, new talents are constantly emerging and during their hiatus have begun nipping at their heels.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Paradise kept nipping at the heels of Westwood, but never trailed by more than 9 points in the contest.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
Where the sharpness and definition can fade as viewers pull back projectors for super large screenings, AWOL Vision hit CES 2026 with a new model aimed at nipping that in the bud.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The Supra's sharp handling and responsive powertrains, however, mean its happier nipping apexes than long highway slogs.
—Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 21 June 2023
But recent editorials in The People’s Daily—the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship publication—continued to call on China’s population to stick with its approach of staying vigilant and nipping outbreaks in the bud.
—Sha Hua, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022
Likewise, her rep handled the announcements about the Bidens' rambunctious rescue dog, Major, who's been involved in several nipping incidents and has to undergo off-site behavior training.
—USA Today, 27 Apr. 2021
The nipping incident comes a few weeks after the dog caused a minor injury to someone else at the White House.
—Tim Perry, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2021
Del Mar extended its current winning streak to a season-best three in a row by first nipping Lincoln and then nudging San Jose 48-46.
—Dave Mendonca, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2017
Verb
Of course, Qualcomm is also at Computex, and its Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme could well be nipping at the N1X's heels before long.
—Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 30 May 2026
The series builds to his final French Open in 2024 when Father Time was nipping at his heels, navicular, hip, back and everything else.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Exactly one year after nipping Marist in the state finals at Duluth’s Cecil Morris Field, the Blessed Trinity Titans did it again in an identical manner, edging Marist 1-0 in the GHSA Class 4A girls’ soccer state championship game on Friday night.
—Jeff Gable, AJC.com, 16 May 2026
But Loyola is nipping at their heels.
—Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Tired of the nipping Chihuahuas’ defense against him, Jokic let the official have it early on, getting a technical.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2026
After all, new talents are constantly emerging and during their hiatus have begun nipping at their heels.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Paradise kept nipping at the heels of Westwood, but never trailed by more than 9 points in the contest.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
Where the sharpness and definition can fade as viewers pull back projectors for super large screenings, AWOL Vision hit CES 2026 with a new model aimed at nipping that in the bud.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipping
Adjective
-
Richard claimed she was locked alone in the freezing car for two hours, unable to leave the vehicle because there were no interior door handles.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
15 June 2026
-
Though Boise wasn’t expected to see freezing temperatures, higher elevations in Idaho are about to get icy, the weather service said.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
It is recommended to alternate between the steam and ice shower, which drops to a chilling 46 degrees.—
Spencer Whaley,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Hydrating and chilling inside if possible are critical through August 22 from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, officials say.—
Janet Wilson,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In October, the feds announced a sweeping investigation into NBA point-shaving rings tied to the mafia.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
-
Both use a spinning blade to push up and down through a block of frozen liquid, shaving it into thin layers and creating a creamy, smooth purée.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Zinnias, dahlias, cosmos, rudbeckia, marigolds, and branching sunflowers will all benefit from pinching.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
-
Escalating hardware costs are also pinching the company.—
Sebastian Herrera,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Years before winning a Tony and becoming one of comedy’s most singular stars, Cole Escola was stealing scenes on Difficult People.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
-
The Bootleg Cut includes additional character moments, like protagonist and Crowe stand-in William (Patrick Fugit) making a habit of stealing little items from hotel rooms.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
For years, Democratic state officials saw little urgency in hurrying the process, prioritizing accuracy and voter participation over speed in determining results.—
Russell Berman,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
-
Navigating crowds of busy, hurrying people – including children and the elderly – without any accidents or even incidents.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Few things feel as satisfying as a cold drink of water after mowing the lawn on a hot afternoon, finishing a tough workout or waking up thirsty in the middle of the night.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
The heat wave can contribute to the lack of sea ice extent because there is not reflective white ice surface to keep it cold, Neff said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
A little snow in the morning; cloudy, chilly; slow and slippery travel in the morning; improving road conditions in the afternoon.—
Jackie Borchardt,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Another bought three pairs for a chilly trip to Switzerland in November.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipping. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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