1
as in shaved
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in stole
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 raced
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 nipped
Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025
Two bedrooms on the top floor each have a private bath, and two more nipped down in the basement share a hall bath.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Where Hailey will opt for sumptuous faux furs and nipped in waists, Justin is most comfortable in big hoodies and bigger shorts.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
But their muffled offense and less-than-optimal legs were no match Sunday for the Ducks, who nipped a two-game slump in the bud and moved seven points back of idle Calgary for the last available playoff spot in the West.
—Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 9 Mar. 2025
But Arlington intercepted a pass and junior wing Drew Beck nipped one right over the blocker of Farese.
—Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
The bodycon, nipped waist silhouette is a go-to for Kardashian.
—Mikelle Street, WWD, 17 Feb. 2025
Knits were slouchy but perfectly contoured to a woman's body, jackets nipped at the waist and layered over A-line skirts and sporty trousers, fuzzy bag charms and belt charms unite, and tasteful pops of color highlight earthy tones.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Schar nipped in and dispossessed him, allowing Anthony Gordon to double their lead.
—Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Ohtani struck out him out looking twice, once on a backdoor sweeper and once on a 101 mph fastball that nipped the corner.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025
Two bedrooms on the top floor each have a private bath, and two more nipped down in the basement share a hall bath.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Where Hailey will opt for sumptuous faux furs and nipped in waists, Justin is most comfortable in big hoodies and bigger shorts.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
But their muffled offense and less-than-optimal legs were no match Sunday for the Ducks, who nipped a two-game slump in the bud and moved seven points back of idle Calgary for the last available playoff spot in the West.
—Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 9 Mar. 2025
But Arlington intercepted a pass and junior wing Drew Beck nipped one right over the blocker of Farese.
—Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
The bodycon, nipped waist silhouette is a go-to for Kardashian.
—Mikelle Street, WWD, 17 Feb. 2025
Knits were slouchy but perfectly contoured to a woman's body, jackets nipped at the waist and layered over A-line skirts and sporty trousers, fuzzy bag charms and belt charms unite, and tasteful pops of color highlight earthy tones.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Schar nipped in and dispossessed him, allowing Anthony Gordon to double their lead.
—Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nipped
Verb
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Lush lumps of rock crab arrived in a flying saucer made of ice and covered with kohlrabi shaved thin as a layer of frost.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, video posted by the Salvadoran government showed detainees stripped and having their heads shaved before being frog-marched in handcuffs and chains at their feet and waist into the prison.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And more importantly, between somewhat-high consumer prices and an iffy job market, many Americans continue to feel pinched.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Chinese consumers have even reported an increase in finger injuries as they get trapped or pinched.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Twins then intentionally walked Kyle Manzardo to face Naylor, who, after Ramírez and Manzardo stole third and second base respectively, brought them both home.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
20 Sep. 2025
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Jubair and others allegedly stole 18 megabytes of data including thousands of names of Court employees, job titles, work locations, and usernames, and cellphone numbers.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Bradley McCroskey caught a miraculous 26-yard touchdown pass on the final play of regulation, then Temi Ericson raced nearly untouched for a 25-yard TD in overtime to give the Indians a 34-28 victory.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Sep. 2025
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The Bruins never looked back, despite Sweetwyne settling into the game and engineering four scoring drives to keep the Falcons from getting boat-raced.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Plus, the dish can also be pre-chilled to serve cold dishes as well.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
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Ice creams, frozen desserts and super-chilled sodas take on a new appeal in sticky summer heat.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The junior wideout slipped loose into the secondary, breaking free for a 51-yard touchdown reception as the Harbormen cut things to a 21-13 game.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
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The Fed may have seen the quarter-point interest rate cut on September 17 as necessary because the labor market is flagging.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The rapper, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested in September 2024.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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That means every state budget could be held hostage until the whims of a small fraction of legislators is satisfied.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This is a guy who swiped 32 bases a year ago and socked 28 homers two years ago.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
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Since Baldelli had this discussion with his team, the Twins have swiped 30 bases, second in the majors to just the New York Mets.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nipped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nipped. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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