nipping 1 of 2

nipping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of nip
1
as in shaving
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 pinching
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

Examples 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 nipping
Adjective
The Supra's sharp handling and responsive powertrains, however, mean its happier nipping apexes than long highway slogs. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 21 June 2023 But recent editorials in The People’s Daily—the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship publication—continued to call on China’s population to stick with its approach of staying vigilant and nipping outbreaks in the bud. Sha Hua, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022 Thanks to a little nipping and tucking, the Nissan Altima receives an attractive facelift for 2023. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 9 June 2022 Likewise, her rep handled the announcements about the Bidens' rambunctious rescue dog, Major, who's been involved in several nipping incidents and has to undergo off-site behavior training. USA Today, 27 Apr. 2021 The nipping incident comes a few weeks after the dog caused a minor injury to someone else at the White House. Tim Perry, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2021 Prune Your Shrubs With Regal Shears Sculpting boxwoods into bunnies, trimming your David Austin roses or nipping daisies for a pickle-jar vase? Andrew Nelson, WSJ, 27 Mar. 2021 Del Mar extended its current winning streak to a season-best three in a row by first nipping Lincoln and then nudging San Jose 48-46. Dave Mendonca, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2017
Verb
Vagabond quarterback Sam Darnold has kept the Vikings (10-2) nipping at the heels of the Lions all season. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 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 Nvidia’s stock has also been rallying for much of October, and is nipping at Apple’s heels as the current second-most valuable company by market cap. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Nvidia’s stock has also been rallying for much of October, and is nipping at Apple’s heels as the current second most valuable company by market cap. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 In Paris, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Gigi Hadid have been making slouchy leather jackets the crux of their street-style looks, while models nipping between casting calls are throwing their own bikers over basics on the run. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2024 Eric is the old cowboy who is basically at the end of his career, and Harper is the young gunslinger who’s just nipping at his heels. Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipping
Adjective
  • The polar fish is the only species of shark that can withstand the freezing temperatures year-round.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Just 100 km off the African coast, Fuerteventura is truly one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway far from the crowds and the freezing temperatures of Northern Europe.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, experts note that Patel's approach might focus on using civil lawsuits or laws like the Espionage Act to target leakers of classified information, a tactic not directly implicating press freedoms but potentially chilling journalistic activity.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • In one particularly chilling scene, Matthews gives a rousing rally speech that had to be delivered with conviction by Hoult.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Her makeup, too, was equally icy, with a metallic silvery-white shadow brushed under her brow as a highlight and dramatic black eyeliner winged all the way out to the outer corner of her brows, plus a pair of light blue-gray contacts enhanced by majorly fluttery, lush lashes.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 Dec. 2024
  • White cautioned those traveling north of Indianapolis this weekend, however, should be mindful of potentially snowier, icier road conditions.
    Christopher Cann, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Made from certified sustainable yarns and dyes, the bamboo and tencel scarf is for the luxe woman who can’t say no to her prints (and wants to stay warm in the chilly months).
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • On a recent chilly afternoon, about a half dozen men were clearing snow from a commercial office building in town.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • So that is his, and William’s been holding onto that as his good luck charm or his little memento to keep him safe throughout the war.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Although general manager Dana Brown is comfortable holding onto the left-handed slugger during his contract year in 2025, the club reportedly is open-minded to the idea of dealing him.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In the Automatic Downloads section, turn on App Updates by swiping the button to the right.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Start with a hook that makes someone want to keep swiping.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In the nation's coldest big city, Minneapolis, the weather service said highs in the single digits to teens and lows below zero look likely for Friday and Saturday.
    Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • This cold air will quickly expand south and east Friday and encompass the entire eastern half of the country by Saturday.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nicholas Quah: In many ways, Landman is the chillest entry in the Sheridan-verse, which is typically packed with violence, melancholia, and dudely grouchiness.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
  • For her, the glory of the honeymoon had been in the planning, the dreaming, the building up in her mind; what a letdown to find that Paris was just a place, that some days were full of chill gray drizzle, that the dull, thick bodies of other tourists blocked her from full joy.
    Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near nipping

Cite this Entry

“Nipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipping. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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