1
as in freezing
having a low or subnormal temperature
a group of campers waking up to the nipping air of a Rocky Mountain morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
better wear a windbreaker if you're going sailing in this nipping wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
3
as in stealing
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 hurrying
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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of nipping
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
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
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 governor warned that an incoming storm would bring dangerous travel conditions and freezing temperatures, adding to an already severe situation.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Kansas City officials recommend that residents keep a thin stream of water flowing from their faucets during freezing temperatures.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Although few may recognize his name, the footage of Hill, captured on Abraham Zapruder's chilling home movie of the shooting, provided some of the most indelible images of Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Although few may recognize his name, the footage of Hill, captured on Abraham Zapruder’s chilling home movie of the assassination, provided some of the most indelible images of Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.—
Jack Dura,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
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
-
During the colder months, that uniform relies on a lightweight jacket to keep me comfortable on chilly LA mornings.—
Rachel Trujillo,
People.com,
25 Feb. 2025
-
On West 57th Avenue in Olde Town Arvada, a handful of people with backpacks and belongings gathered in front of the library and soaked in the sun on a recent chilly morning, including one accompanied by a small dog wearing a sporty green jacket.—
John Aguilar,
The Denver Post,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Waterproof mascaras rely on film-forming copolymers, which help with flexibility, holding the eyelash's curl, and boosting temperature resistance.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Shakespeare, affectionately known as ‘Two Balls Shakey’ because of his penchant for holding a ball under each arm in training and during warm-up drills, contributed hugely to two promotions from League One in 2009 and the Championship in 2014, the great escape of 2015 and the 5000-1 title success.—
Rob Tanner,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Take a look through the list, then pick your potion—and be sure to consult with your physician before swiping anything onto your delicate lash line.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Using it is as simple as placing a few drops on a cotton round and swiping it across your face.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This will act to push colder air back into portions of the Lower 48 states.—
Doyle Rice,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
-
First Alert Weather Day in effect across North Texas due to dangerous cold Cowboys' Zack Martin announces retirement after 11-year career With 3 superintendents in 3 years, what's next for Keller ISD?—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Glad someone can be chill when a foot is getting degloved!—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2025
-
But while the vibe of your home gym might be chill, your programming shouldn’t be—and research shows that any well-rounded workout routine should include weight training.—
Erin Bunch,
SELF,
13 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipping. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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