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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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While the rail cars can get pretty chilly, the train station is usually sweltering—that’s where this Spanx set comes in.—
Jessica Kasparian,
SELF,
25 June 2025
-
Outside, there’s a covered limestone dining terrace with overhead heat lamps for taking the nip off chilly nights and a lounge area for watching TV.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Belle Meade Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a rich and spicy profile.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Get the party started with these sweet and spicy chicken wings.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The finish is brisk with balanced acidity and a soft texture.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Examples of beneficial exercise include brisk walking, running, or cycling.—
Jamie Johnson,
Verywell Health,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Finally, Trump’s travel ban could have a chilling effect on future foreign medical applicants to the U.S. Prospective physicians may be deterred from considering medical training programs in America given the challenges and hurdles present in securing visas.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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Critics said the program fueled a narrative of bias and created a chilling effect among the academic community.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Strategic commenting can lead to five-figure contracts without cold pitching.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
First, a quick refresher on freezing: The super cold temp—freezers should be set to zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower—stalls the growth of bacteria and other organisms.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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In a different context, the same pungent word applied to his devastating 2 a.m. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.—
Rich Lowry,
National Review,
23 June 2025
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That goes for bars of pungent soap, essential oils, sonic repellant devices, and hanging up pennies in bags of water, a favorite Internet myth.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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But without affordable renewables (or rapid breakthroughs in nuclear fusion) the electricity to feed all those AI data centers may not arrive in time.—
Christopher Helman,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Thanks to the rapid ascension of brands like Ganni and Saks Potts in recent years, Danish fashion has become a global sensation with its unusual silhouettes, playful colors and patterns, and effortless, bike-ready vibe.—
Stephanie Sporn,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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While the small town of Kailua-Kona can be bustling during the summer months, the Big Island is typically chill.—
Will McGough,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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With nail trends being so chill over the last year or two—who knew nude nails would be so hot for so long?—those of us who were once confident DIYing our nail art may feel a bit out of practice these days.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nippy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nippy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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