nip 1 of 3

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nip

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noun (2)

as in sip
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

nip

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 nip
Noun
The affection can build up and lead to a slight nip at each other. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 The affection can build up and lead to a slight nip at each other. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
In his opening statements last Monday, David Dahlquist, the acting deputy director of the DOJ's antitrust civil litigation division, argued that the court should consider remedies that could nip a potential Google AI monopoly in the bud. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025 Because intriguing depth like Brown will be nipping at their heels. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
  • Fred’s highlight this season has been shaving his beard.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Inside the prison, they were forced to kneel as their heads were shaved by guards.
    Nidia Cavazos, CBS News, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • He got pinched, and rather characteristically, by the Derby traffic in the early going, and had to recover.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Plus, the strap is designed without bulky buckles that pinch the top of your feet or randomly come undone mid-step.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Mike gets into a brawl when Nathan (Dickinson, uncredited), a fellow addict also living rough, steals his wallet and blows all his cash.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • The ‘Turkey Brothers’ steal the encore with a boisterous jam As fans begged for an encore to an empty stage, an unlikely guest took center stage.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Snag a pair before the sale ends on May 26 at 8 a.m. Eastern, and hurry, because popular styles and sizes are sure to fly off the (virtual) shelves.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Aunt Phoebe hurries the girls home — to their residences and to the Red Center — before any cloak-red blood gets spilled.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Republican bill cuts Medicaid for unemployed, undocumented children, Planned Parenthood How much do Americans rely on programs like Medicaid and Social Security?
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • During that same period, the company cut 3,000 jobs.
    Lindsay Owens, Time, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The two were known for hosting parties and held a coveted status as leaders of Hollywood’s original Rat Pack.
    Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
  • The Tribune is not identifying the other three candidates as the interviews are still in progress and some currently hold positions elsewhere.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Cloud sized up the young star, reached in and swiped the ball away as time expired.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
  • In that game, Haliburton scored 31 points on 12-of-23 shooting from the floor and 3-of-4 shooting from the foul line, dished out 11 assists, grabbed four rebounds, and swiped a steal.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • First responders rushed to the scene, although the investigation into the attack has been handed to the FBI.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Airport communications staff rushed to put together a media event Friday morning.
    Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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