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
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Recent Examples of nip
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
While our personal faves are the natural nips, the brand also offers smooth nipple covers.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Paul Newman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Mercedes pulled the wraps off the 2027 S500 4Matic, S580 4Matic, and S580e 4Matic today, heralding a not completely new, but largely refreshed, nipped, and tucked version of the German automaker’s flagship sedan.
—Jerry Perez, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Noun
Let’s nip this in the bud—yes, Jack Daniel’s is Tennessee whiskey that is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before barreling, part of the Lincoln County Process.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
While our personal faves are the natural nips, the brand also offers smooth nipple covers.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
This could easily have been nipped in the bud had Brook confessed to what had happened before the third ODI in Wellington, rather than halfway through the game itself, and then immediately been suspended just for that game by England.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Mercedes pulled the wraps off the 2027 S500 4Matic, S580 4Matic, and S580e 4Matic today, heralding a not completely new, but largely refreshed, nipped, and tucked version of the German automaker’s flagship sedan.
—Jerry Perez, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
Verb
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As for pre-existing ones, Boone said that Carlos Rodón, recovering from elbow surgery to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur, and Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery last spring, are doing well with their throwing programs.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Shortly after revealing her diagnosis in February 2025, Mellencamp, 44, shaved her head to prep for surgery to remove a few of the tumors.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Leaves can appear cupped or pinched when there is an insect infestation present.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
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The higher costs are forcing many Americans to find yet another way to pinch pennies.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Expect mild redness and a sandpaper-like texture for several days; small sacrifices for a complexion that steals the spotlight.—
Elycia Rubin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Her worries grow when a group of badgers takes over the Rabbit School and steals the Egg.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If the Pats can hit or hurry Darnold, that may be enough to yield an outcome as good as, if not better than, a sack.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
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John Helmick hurried to book a flight to San Antonio from his home in Las Vegas after learning his former cross-country coach at Texas had entered the end-of-life stage of hospice care.—
Tom Orsborn,
San Antonio Express-News,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In the men's singles final in figure skating, the NBC telecast just cut to a shot of American Max Naumov, who was juggling a soccer ball.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
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Catherine’s brother Hindley, a vicious bully whose abuse is part of what drives Cathy and Heathcliff so closely together, is cut entirely, his role combined with Catherine’s father.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning, reported on Wednesday that both a presidential vote, in which Zelenskyy would seek re-election, and a nationwide referendum could be held by May 15.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Her life’s work was stolen early Monday when thieves swiped a shipping box containing many of her puppets from outside her Beachwood Canyon apartment.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The fifth-year senior also blocked five shots and swiped four steals.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The defense forced three turnovers, Jason Myers kicked a Super Bowl-record five field goals, and running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards to earn most valuable player as the Seahawks finished the season with 10 consecutive victories.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Dowdle rushed for 206 yards against Miami, which tied for the second-highest total in team history, then went for 183 the following week against his former team.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Video
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?
We're gonna stop you right there
Cite this Entry
“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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