nip 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of nipnext
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

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2
as in shred
a very small amount I'll have just a nip of your sandwich

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3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness there's a nip in the air today

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nip

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in sip
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time give me just a nip of milk to help me swallow this pill

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nip

3 of 3

verb

ˈnip How to pronounce nip (audio)
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

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2
as in to pinch
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

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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

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4
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly I'll just nip off to the corner store for some milk

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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
Noun
This lens is made up of 20 elements and two mirrors plus a large-diameter aspherical lens that nips distortion and aberration in the bud. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 Back for an Encore Why not take advantage of the coming cooler weather with plants that prefer a nip in the air? — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
Once, when the curd did not set, Jaya Aunty did not do what Nidhi’s mother would have done—namely, shrug her shoulders and nip out to the store for a couple of squishy packets. — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 But players are nipping at their heels, and that still leaves the left guard and center positions open for competition. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
  1. spice
  2. shred
  3. chill
  4. sip
  5. shave
  6. pinch
  7. steal
  8. hurry
Noun
  • Cherry tomatoes and a homemade lime dressing add acidity, while red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño add crunch and spice.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For a state facing persistent challenges from drought, heat and limited water, researchers hope one of the world's most valuable spices could offer Colorado farmers a new opportunity—one uniquely suited to the state's climate.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • Some of these cabinet members have even maintained, without a shred of evidence, that Syria’s president, the former jihadist Ahmed al-Shara, is preparing to attack Israel.
    — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But Michael Sanft, Davis’ defense lawyer, argued that the prosecution had no forensics, no eyewitness and not a single shred of physical evidence placing Davis in the Cadillac with the shooter.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of shred
Noun
  • That accusation, which could imply further arrests, has put a chill on the entire Russian telecom industry.
    — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But Zardoya, best known as the singer of the Marias, brought a chill over the audience with a handful of tracks from Melt and her new EP, Bloom.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill
Noun
  • The seasonal calendar is stretching earlier, chains are competing to own the first sip of autumn, and customers are voting with their orders.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on presidential portrayals and summer sips.
    — , FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sip
Verb
  • One of Goldman’s models suggests that Korea’s fast aging population could shave as much as 25 basis points from annual consumption growth over the next decade.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Luckily, Atlanta is home to a wider world of frozen desserts, from Indonesian shaved ice to Mexican popsicles.
    — Lia Picard - For the AJC, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • Its sides pinch inward near the ground before curving, mushroom-like, outward, making its upper body appear to float.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Jackson Holliday struck out after Gunnar Henderson came in to pinch run for Alonso, and Mayo and Encarnacion-Strand each drove in a run for a 4-2 lead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of pinch
Verb
  • Elsewhere, stoles stole the show, particular those draped languidly over the shoulder or fashioned as cummerbunds.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • On multiple occasions, law enforcement officers have used Flock footage to identify and ultimately arrest people accused of stealing from Ulta Beauty stores.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Olstead ran to his cubby, put on his jumpsuit and harness, and hurried across the tarmac to the waiting jumpship.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Jeremiah Martin had a quarterback hurry on third down, forcing a throwaway.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurry

Phrases Containing nip

Browse Nearby Words

ninnyhammers
nip
nip and tuck
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Cite this Entry

“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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