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
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
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 15 Nov. 2024
However, there’s still just enough fabric to prevent your nips from poking through your clothes, and the flexible underwire prevents any uniboob effect from happening.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 30 Oct. 2024
Rafael Nam, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024
The low-cut dress nipped in at the waist to show off her curves and flared out into a dramatic train.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for nip 
Noun
The trooper also allegedly spotted two empty nip bottles of rum in the vehicle but noted that the driver did not smell of alcohol.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 15 Nov. 2024
However, there’s still just enough fabric to prevent your nips from poking through your clothes, and the flexible underwire prevents any uniboob effect from happening.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
While Tesla has led the EV market in the U.S., other companies are nipping at its heels.
—Rafael Nam, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024
The low-cut dress nipped in at the waist to show off her curves and flared out into a dramatic train.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
-
And while Clay may face a battle to expand its use cases within a larger organization, companies that start shaving several percentage points off of their operating expenses will be difficult to pull away from Clay, said Meritech’s Alex Kurland, who led the new funding round.—
Alex Konrad,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Planners say it’s expected to shave 12 minutes off travel times for buses and commuters and five minutes for others.—
Adrian Rodriguez,
The Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Reviewers love how flattering the shorts are and note that the fabric has a light compression that shapes and lifts without pinching or squeezing.—
Dana Leigh Smith,
Glamour,
16 Jan. 2025
-
Ashton, whose poem was selected via an online contest in 2022, was pinching herself after registering as a virtual guest with NASA to watch the launch and has her fingers crossed for a successful mission.—
Sal Pizarro,
The Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Detectives determined that the shots came from a black Volkswagen Tiguan that was reported stolen in Hamden.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Then the men forced her mother to open the safe, stealing several pieces of jewelry and about $10,000 that was inside, prosecutors said.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
An aggressive front will hurry Allen in the hopes of avoiding a shootout.—
The Athletic,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Each student will receive a collection of cut flower seeds for the Spring season.—
Joe Rassel,
Orlando Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Releasing fullback Alec Ingold after June 1 would cut his 2025 Dolphins cap hit from $4.9 million to $1.2 million.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
She’s currently being held without bail at the Lawrence County Jail.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Emma Stone during the 82nd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.—
Philipp Wehsack,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Hao orders them to swipe right on every profile on dating apps, and even encourages approaching random women en masse in shopping centers.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Join 9 others in the comments View Comments Shoplifters often swipe smaller items with higher price tags.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Medics rushed him to Jamaica Hospital but he couldn’t be saved.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Notre Dame gained 116 yards rushing in its 27-24 victory against Penn State, with Leonard accounting for 35 yards.—
Curt Rallo,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to nip
Video
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?
We're gonna stop you right there
Thesaurus Entries Near nip
Cite this Entry
“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share