1
as in spice
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses
the barbecue sauce has a nip to it that balances out the sweetness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shred
a very small amount
I'll have just a nip of your sandwich
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
there's a nip in the air today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to shave
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
3
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
that guy nipped my wallet from the restaurant table when I turned away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to hurry
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
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Recent Examples of nip
James Peters, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
If a person unknowingly walks their dog close to a den during pupping season, the coyote may try to warn or escort the dog away — sometimes through a nip on the haunch or leg.
—Lisa Bloch, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
There was also a scuba aesthetic that continued from last season with honkering inflatable coats, cocooning anoraks, and neoprene blazers nipped at the waist that looked like couture life vests and scuba suits.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Noun
The Lions ended a nip-and-tuck first quarter with a 17-14 lead following a thunderous dunk by Ranck on an inbounds play in the final seconds.
—James Peters, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
If a person unknowingly walks their dog close to a den during pupping season, the coyote may try to warn or escort the dog away — sometimes through a nip on the haunch or leg.
—Lisa Bloch, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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
There was also a scuba aesthetic that continued from last season with honkering inflatable coats, cocooning anoraks, and neoprene blazers nipped at the waist that looked like couture life vests and scuba suits.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
-
Due to severely matted fur, much of his coat had to be shaved.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
On Tuesday, March 31, the New England Patriots star quarterback shaved his head at Granite Telecommunications' annual Saving by Shaving fundraiser.—
Catherine Messier,
The Providence Journal,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sexy little spears of Green Asparagus (there’s also white and purple varieties) spring’s top stalk option, high in folates and digestive enzymes, elevate every plate (just pinch your nose when nature calls later).—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Goblet-style curtains are similar to pinch pleats but with the pinch placed slightly lower, forming a rounded, decorative shape at the top.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Lions added to that success stealing both of its attempts in the win over Allegiance.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Podziemski then stole the ensuing inbounds pass to secure the win.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
An agent pointed to the other end of the terminal, and the woman hurried off.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2026
-
But hurry, the retailer deemed it a popular pick, so grab it before it's gone.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Cavaliers led by as many as 36 points, but the Heat went on a third-quarter run to cut the deficit to 19 in the final seconds of the period.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Reduce the lot size, cut the square footage, and a house should cost less, supporters said.—
Mark Dee
March 28,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Perry's representative confirmed to USA TODAY on Tuesday that the workers were eventually allowed to hold onto the gift cards after confusion was cleared up.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
However, the Heat holds the tiebreaker, so the Hornets are in 10th place in the conference with six games left.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Blondie, as locals have affectionately named the mama bear to two cubs, was euthanized after swiping at a resident who was walking her dog on March 14 in Monrovia, a city on the edge of the Angeles National Forrest.—
Isabel Yip,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2026
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To do so, the PepsiCo unit wants to grab the attention of younger consumers on social and digital media, where interactive technology gives rise to scrolling, swiping and other short-attention span behaviors.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital by Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics, the man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
If someone pushes you to rush, keep your tone measured and propose a reasonable deadline that protects quality and keeps expectations aligned.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Video
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?
We're gonna stop you right there
Cite this Entry
“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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