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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4
as in hurrying
to proceed or move quickly
I'll just nip off to the corner store for some milk
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
Harry Booth, Time, 9 Nov. 2025
And perhaps most tellingly, the entire event was tinged with anticipation of Japan’s 2026 spotlight as the Cannes Film Market’s Country of Honor, a coronation that arrives just as Korean and Chinese competitors are nipping at Japanese content’s heels.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Political forecasters give the GOP a better shot in New Jersey, where their nominee, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, is nipping away at Sherrill's lead in the polls.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
The Washington Commanders are also nipping at the Cowboys' heels with a 3-4 record.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Deadline has Black Phone 2 estimated to make $12 million this weekend with Chainsaw Man nipping at its heels at between $11 million and $14 million across 3,000 theaters.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
And a fierce competitor is nipping at the agency’s heels.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Legette’s catch started an extraordinary Panthers comeback that ended with Carolina nipping Miami, 27-24, in front of the home crowd at Bank of America Stadium.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025
Closing out the 2017 Oscars, Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty presented the Best Picture category, with La La Land as the frontrunner and Moonlight nipping at its heels.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2025
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
Lately, though, that breakdown of trust has started nipping at Wikipedia’s heels.
—Harry Booth, Time, 9 Nov. 2025
And perhaps most tellingly, the entire event was tinged with anticipation of Japan’s 2026 spotlight as the Cannes Film Market’s Country of Honor, a coronation that arrives just as Korean and Chinese competitors are nipping at Japanese content’s heels.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Political forecasters give the GOP a better shot in New Jersey, where their nominee, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, is nipping away at Sherrill's lead in the polls.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
The Washington Commanders are also nipping at the Cowboys' heels with a 3-4 record.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Deadline has Black Phone 2 estimated to make $12 million this weekend with Chainsaw Man nipping at its heels at between $11 million and $14 million across 3,000 theaters.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
And a fierce competitor is nipping at the agency’s heels.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Legette’s catch started an extraordinary Panthers comeback that ended with Carolina nipping Miami, 27-24, in front of the home crowd at Bank of America Stadium.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025
Closing out the 2017 Oscars, Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty presented the Best Picture category, with La La Land as the frontrunner and Moonlight nipping at its heels.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipping
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, freezing temperatures are invading the Northeast and the South.—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
11 Nov. 2025
-
As someone who always brings an extra jacket to the movies, the theater, coffee shops, and even summer dinners—just in case the evening turns cool—a freezing-cold airplane is one of my biggest travel pet peeves.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Army nurse Holley Lynn James' disappearance in 2008 would set off a chilling investigation that would unravel into a case marked by fire, secrets and deception.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
7 Nov. 2025
-
One student asked what the justices would say to those who feel Kirk’s shooting had a chilling effect on conservative speech on campus.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
And the only questions she's getting asked are about shaving her head.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Another unit in Tsuen Wan, a residential neighborhood in the New Territories, was sold at a loss of $142,000, shaving 40% off the original price, according to local news reports.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While Americans are pinching their pennies amid SNAP cuts, soaring housing costs, and mass layoffs, the ultra-rich are seeing unprecedented wealth gains.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
-
While there have been many fine adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Alastair Sim's performance as the miserly, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge elevates this version to must-see status.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Oscar-winning acting is known for stealing scenes, but during a recent outing in New York City, her straight-leg jeans took the spotlight.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
There’s a lot of concern among professionals across the creative and media industries that generative AI tools are essentially stealing their work by scraping content available on the Internet.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In the footage, the children could be seen hurrying off the bus and onto the woman’s porch as the smoke grew.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Pedestrians are hurrying past to find their places on Fifth Avenue, but the girls have a different kind of readiness about them.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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After playing a career-best game to tip off the season, pouring in 31 points against Indiana State, Bradford has gone cold from beyond the arc in the past two games, not attempting a three against Tennessee Tech and missing all five of his attempts on Tuesday night.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Nov. 2025
-
To balance their regular caseload, Landrum said Moore police detectives passed the baton to the US Marshals, who specialized in tracking criminals across state lines and solving cold cases.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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My favorite is the Turtle Fur Totally Tubular—100 percent merino wool that traps heat better than fleece while staying breathable, keeping me warm even in sudden snow or chilly winds.—
Ariana Dickson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Deliciously tailgate-ready for a chilly Saturday, this hearty chili is an easy way to serve large crowds.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipping. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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