nips 1 of 3

plural of nip

nips

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of nip
as in sips
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time give me just a nip of milk to help me swallow this pill

Synonyms & Similar Words

nips

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of nip
1
as in shaves
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in pinches
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

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 nips
Noun
Expansions, nips, and tucks happened over the years, but the British Colonial design was needing a facelift when Hurricane Irma decimated the island in September 2017. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026 Not even regular nips from a hidden bottle of whiskey in the garage can ease Greg’s self-loathing. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 As gasoline prices soar and inflation nips at vacation budgets, many travelers may have rethought the prospect of the Great American Road Trip. Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026 This lens is made up of 20 elements and two mirrors plus a large-diameter aspherical lens that nips distortion and aberration in the bud. New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 Mercifully, Candace nips that potential Harold and Maude situation in the bud, leaving Steenburgen with her dignity intact. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026 The market is doing the Fed’s job Kevin Warsh’s argument for an ultimately lower Fed funds rate may rely on the notion that financial conditions are likely to tighten further on the long end of the yield curve—far outweighing any nips to the base rate the central bank can make. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 May 2026 Leclerc still can’t steer right at full speed, so Verstappen nips ahead for good measure at the final corner. Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 11 May 2026 Chief among the products banned are the ubiquitous 50 milliliter bottles known as shooters, shots, nips or airline bottles. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
But the teacher nips the conversation in the bud, redirecting everyone’s attention to the lesson of the day. Boaz Dvir, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nips
Noun
  • The company has built a reputation in the investment world for backing companies that have made big splashes, including Uber, Waymo and Discord.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, the phone is only IP55 rated—safe from splashes but not full submersion.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This week's quiz highlights presidential portrayals, summer sips — and more.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • On the palate, first sips are remarkably soft and approachable, and Hyperion drinks a touch below its 110 proof.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For example, using behind-the-meter battery storage or local generation during peak windows actively shaves expensive demand charges without sacrificing performance.
    Ray Fernandez, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Its ceramic blades easily tackle coarse hair and its waterproof design makes in-shower shaves a breeze.
    Sara Coughlin, Allure, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • There will be a moment in the frenzy at the Estadio Azteca, probably as the teams take to the field or the first ball is kicked in anger, when Darren Thompson pinches himself to be witnessing all this first-hand.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Dad pinches my cheek between his first two fingers with a soppy look in his eyes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Desperate to believe his life is about to change, Tommy steals Wayne’s car and begins driving his band from Kansas City to Los Angeles, hell bent on getting there in three days.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In recent years, mischievous younger brother Prince Louis often steals the show with his cheeky antics.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The microscopic amoeba thrives in warm freshwater and can cause a neurological infection when water containing the amoeba rushes through the nose and reaches the brain, according to the state health department.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Hard hits are welcome, but not at the expense of leaving the team vulnerable to odd-man rushes.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The 6-foot, 220-pound North Carolina product gained 737 yards from scrimmage and had five touchdowns in 156 touches — 124 rushes and 32 receptions.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Some setups are coordinated down to the colors and the finest decorative touches.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Zebra striping is the practice of alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout a night out, creating a pattern that mirrors the black and white stripes on a zebra.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But a key question has been how profoundly the bans would affect public health, with some economists arguing that people would just use other funds to buy Coke and other sugary drinks instead.
    Sarah Todd, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nips.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nips. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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