nips 1 of 3

noun (1)

plural of nip
as in splashes
a very small amount I'll have just a nip of your sandwich

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nips

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of nip
as in sips
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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nips

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of nip
1
as in shaves
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pinches
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in steals
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in rushes
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 nips
Noun
As gasoline prices soar and inflation nips at vacation budgets, many travelers may have rethought the prospect of the Great American Road Trip. — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026 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 Mercifully, Candace nips that potential Harold and Maude situation in the bud, leaving Steenburgen with her dignity intact. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026 The market is doing the Fed’s job Kevin Warsh’s argument for an ultimately lower Fed funds rate may rely on the notion that financial conditions are likely to tighten further on the long end of the yield curve—far outweighing any nips to the base rate the central bank can make. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 May 2026 Leclerc still can’t steer right at full speed, so Verstappen nips ahead for good measure at the final corner. — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 11 May 2026 Chief among the products banned are the ubiquitous 50 milliliter bottles known as shooters, shots, nips or airline bottles. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026 Such terrible deprivations the newcomers to our land must endure while guzzling nips, smoking weed and driving the wrong way on our interstate highways. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026 Dozens of people testified in support of the bill, which would have allowed a town’s legislative body to ban the sale of nips. — Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
But the teacher nips the conversation in the bud, redirecting everyone’s attention to the lesson of the day. — Boaz Dvir, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nips
  1. splashes
  2. sips
  3. shaves
  4. pinches
  5. steals
  6. rushes
  7. touches
  8. drinks
Noun
  • During her Hollywood years, Grace Kelly reportedly followed the famed Erno Laszlo ritual, beginning with Phelityl Cleansing Oil, followed by the brand’s Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar, and finishing with 30 splashes of warm water.
    — Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And though the case itself isn’t water-resistant, the buds rock an IPX4 rating that protects them from sweaty listening sessions and light water splashes from any direction.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of splashes
Noun
  • If that sounds like you after a few sips of a PSL, then read on.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • During long tournament days, a small snack between matches or sips of a sports drink can help maintain energy.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sips
Verb
  • Its ceramic blades easily tackle coarse hair and its waterproof design makes in-shower shaves a breeze.
    — Sara Coughlin, Allure, 5 July 2026
  • Zillow says that a pale pink bathroom could lose you up to $6,013, while a pale pink kitchen shaves an extra $4,201 off potential buyers' offers.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
Definition of shaves
Verb
  • There will be a moment in the frenzy at the Estadio Azteca, probably as the teams take to the field or the first ball is kicked in anger, when Darren Thompson pinches himself to be witnessing all this first-hand.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Dad pinches my cheek between his first two fingers with a soppy look in his eyes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Definition of pinches
Verb
  • Nobody wants to work with a colleague who steals credit for everything.
    — Melody Wilding, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Trump's quick save for wandering toddler sets up a Biden joke that steals the show.
    — , FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of steals
Verb
  • The salsa rushes the senses more thrillingly with its distinct, smoky-cherry notes from chile puya.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Water rushes past, glinting silver in the light of the sun, just risen above the mountains that ring the bay.
    — Jonathan Wiggin, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rushes
Noun
  • The wardrobes, however spacious, were creaky; none of the typical five-star tech touches are present—no Nespresso machine, no Dyson hair dryer, no in-wall USB outlets, though there is a charging dock.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Extra beds, cots and bed rails are all available upon request, as well as touches to delight any little ones, including mini bathrobes, slippers and a selection of games and treats.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of touches
Noun
  • The cheeky beach bar, complete with its iconic VW car, serves up drinks, good vibes, and surf lessons for those keen to get on the waves.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
  • That is close to the entire Italian repertoire of coffee drinks.
    — Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of drinks

Browse Nearby Words

nippy
nips
nirvana
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Cite this Entry

“Nips.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nips. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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