1
as in chilly
having a low or subnormal temperature
bring a jacket, as it's a little nippy outside
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
blue cheese is a little too nippy for my taste
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3
as in brisk
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed
racing around the neighborhood on a nippy scooter
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4
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
a nippy wind that chilled parade watchers to the bone
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nippy
Despite the nippy wind by the lake, Montrose Beach had a busy Sunday: families gathered on picnic blankets to celebrate Mother’s Day, and seagulls, killdeer and red-winged blackbirds scoured for food among the waves that washed ashore.
—
Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
With it, there’s no need to haul up a turtleneck or coat collar in the nippy wind or rain.
—Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2025
Friday is when things will get nippy.
—Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for nippy
Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
With it, there’s no need to haul up a turtleneck or coat collar in the nippy wind or rain.
—Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2025
Friday is when things will get nippy.
—Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for nippy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nippy
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
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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
Adjective
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Eragon has a different approach altogether with its spicy amber profile.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
6 Nov. 2025
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Dishes include banana bread pudding or spinach frittata with goat's cheese for breakfast and pork shoulder with figs, or Orecchiette with spicy vodka sauce for lunch and dinner.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The company’s brisk activity shows no signs of slowing.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
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Trick-or-treaters can expect brisk but dry weather.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 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
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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
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
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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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At the cocktail bar Muamba, owner Yvens Penna brightens a classic margarita with homemade chicória soda crafted from a pungent local herb that tastes like cilantro on steroids.—
Michael Snyder,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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To keep pungent grease smells at bay, plan to thoroughly clean your range hood, specifically the vent, every 3 to 6 months.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Since Berman took the helm in 2022, professional women’s soccer has seen rapid growth.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Peonies also require a period of chill time that signals bud formation while the plant is dormant.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
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Per Deadline, the show will be set in 1991, a totally chill time to be a cop in Los Angeles.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nippy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nippy. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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