nip 1 of 3

1
2
3

nip

2 of 3

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

3 of 3

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

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 nip
Noun
The nips currently have a 5-cent fee, rather than a deposit, and drinkers cannot bring the bottles back in an attempt to receive a nickel for each one. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2025 For each correct answer, gulp a nip of Dr. McGillicuddy’s Wild Grape. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 14 July 2024
Verb
The contest had narrowed considerably in the final weeks, and polls showed Hovde nipping at Baldwin’s heels. Al Weaver, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024 Her navy silk wool double-breasted coat was nipped at the waist and worn with bare legs and stiletto heels. Leah Dolan, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for nip 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
  • Did football culture, which at one time shaved penises into a rookie player’s head as a hazing ritual, need to change?
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In this case, a clever player can easily shave off about half of Nikador's health pool, potentially a lot more.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand, hold it for three seconds, then let go.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
  • At least one corner of the zinc lobby doesn't appreciate President Trump's penny pinching plan.
    Nathan Bomey, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • An 18-year-old suspected of stealing $56,000 in jewelry from a San Carlos store in September 2024, along with two other people, was arrested this week.
    Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025
  • After White stole the spotlight for a quick stretch, Tatum dribbled to his right, squared his body in mid-air and drilled a long 3-pointer over Mikal Bridges to give Boston an 89-70 lead.
    Jay King, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • These deals won't be around forever, so hurry up and add these to your cart!
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 7 Feb. 2025
  • As the fire roared down a hillside toward their Altadena home, Vanessa Prata and her parents hurried to pack their car.
    Gene Johnson, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Should Towels And Sheets Be Washed Together? To cut to the chase, our experts say your towels and sheets should not be washed together or with other items like clothes.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
  • It’s been swinging since the Federal Reserve began cutting its main interest rate sharply from September intending to make borrowing cheaper, help the economy and boost prices for stocks, bonds and other investments.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Now, the two senators want to hold the president to his pledge.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Also on Tuesday, the City Council is scheduled to hold a workshop to review the downtown classic car cruise.
    Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • From swiping your glass shower door to running a towel around your sink after washing the dishes, a short clean can prevent grime build-up and keep your surfaces spotless.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
  • The applicator is just the right size to swipe on a bit of the formula to the undereye or small areas of the face—a little bit atop a blemish or spot goes a long way.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Eagles rushed Mahomes all night, sacking him six times.
    Matt Breen The Philadelphia Inquirer, arkansasonline.com, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Barkley rushed for more than 2,500 yards in the regular season and postseason combined, an NFL record.
    Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near nip

Cite this Entry

“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on nip

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!