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

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 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
  • Wadman isn’t the only individual whose death is suspected to have been linked to the recent freezing cold temperatures that have hit the Midwest.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025
  • An Arctic polar vortex has brought freezing temperatures and frigid winds to millions across the country this winter.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There is surely something chilling about the idea of billionaires talking openly and even gleefully about their wish to eliminate the jobs of some public sector workers and to freeze the salaries of others.
    Jeffery Vacante, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The film was at certain times a chilling representation of fear, trauma, and death, but at others hauntingly lovely and funny.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 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
  • What would’ve been a chilly day on the National Mall instead became a raucous indoor rally for many Trump fans who packed Capital One Arena for the makeshift event after the outdoor inauguration was canceled due to frigid temperatures.
    Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The two couples stood briefly for a photo, with a chilly wind blowing on the north end of the White House.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 20 Jan. 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
  • Tinder made waves in 2012 by introducing the swiping mechanism, which has since been widely adopted.
    Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But Posey’s first significant trade as president of baseball operations required a bit of a cold touch.
    Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Humpback whales have been known to swim 5,000 miles from tropical grounds to colder grounds for more productive feedings and usually eat small fish, straining huge amounts of water on their baleen plates, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Also, this is a TikTok of the chillest January 6 get-together.
    Makena Kelly, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Yet despite all of his achievements, Jones comes off as supremely chill, undeniably cool, and at his essence, a man who loved his family.
    Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near nipping

Cite this Entry

“Nipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipping. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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