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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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
Expansions, nips, and tucks happened over the years, but the British Colonial design was needing a facelift when Hurricane Irma decimated the island in September 2017. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026 Not even regular nips from a hidden bottle of whiskey in the garage can ease Greg’s self-loathing. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
This is an issue that, to my mind, keeps nipping at the heels of the current crop of directorial It Boys. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 And nipped any indication that Williams was taunting the 45-year-old coach in the bud. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 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
  • Miessein realized that people in search of fresh African and Caribbean foods, spices and other goods had to drive to Charlotte.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Tyler placed it between us with an elegant flourish; the steam carried the scent of glorious-secret spices.
    — Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • With every word, these leaders shed another shred of dignity.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There’s yet to be a shred of evidence that Belichick can build and guide North Carolina’s roster into the kind of behemoth that can go on the road in the ACC, play poorly and win by double digits while barely being threatened with a loss.
    — David Ubben, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of shred
Noun
  • Highs across the Houston area are expected to reach only the upper 60s or lower 70s, with breezes adding to the chill.
    — Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 17 Oct. 2026
  • October is spooky season, and this week's offerings from Disney+ and Hulu lean into the chills and thrills.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of chill
Noun
  • The mouthpiece sits flat in the lid when not in use, then flips up for a sip.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Restrained sweetness allowed the intriguingly complex flavors to shine, ultimately luring tasters back for a second (and third, and fourth) sip.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sip
Verb
  • While this isn’t limited to Apple’s own devices, the newest iPhone models will definitely carry the biggest value and shave the most off your new Duo.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Like almost winning a race, almost shaving a second off my time for the 3200m run, my event in high school, the one that got me into college, a recruit for someone else to gamble on.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • If your nose starts bleeding, lean forward and pinch its soft part with steady pressure for 15 minutes.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Among the trends expected, discounting will be at or near historic high levels, with retailers aware that consumers are pinched by rising prices.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pinch
Verb
  • Video on social media showed distressed shopkeepers begging young men to stop stealing their inventory—and those young men pushing them aside to grab shoes and food from their shelves.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The response comes as the French government increases scrutiny of online marketplaces following reports that goods stolen during Saturday’s unrest were being offered for sale online.
    — Sadie Andrew, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Tight end John Bates lined up out wide to the far side, motioning to hurry up.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Some hurried to try to unmask the anonymous woman behind the accusations.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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