nips 1 of 3

plural of nip

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

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
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 This extra, low-effort step makes guests feel especially welcome, as well as nips any potential musical chairs awkwardness in the bud. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026 While our personal faves are the natural nips, the brand also offers smooth nipple covers. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025 Her story about not wanting to flash her nips at the then–Prince of Wales is choice. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
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
Noun
  • Many of the paintings include a portrait of a Pullman porter or a maid surrounded by splashes of color and fragments of archival documents — newspaper clippings, timesheets, employee records.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026
  • It’s even made from a water-resistant fabric to protect your gear from unexpected splashes or spills, keeping everything safe on the go.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The WanderFull HydroBag offers a stylish, hands-free way to keep your heavy Stanley tumbler or Owala bottle ready for sips during trips and treks.
    Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • Espresso is meant to be savored in just a few sips, allowing its rich aromas and bold flavors to shine without distractions.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • The decision to move elections to November shaves several months off the existing terms of the mayor, vice mayor and commissioners.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Dad pinches my cheek between his first two fingers with a soppy look in his eyes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
  • There’s the moment Stanton’s Håkon Werle pinches the back of his son’s neck, like a cruel master bringing his dog to heel.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • John Krasinski stars as a jet-setting art thief who steals priceless paintings to help uncover clues as to the whereabouts of the fabled Fountain of Youth.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Carr is not a point-of-attack defender, gets beat in isolation and doesn’t collect nearly as many steals for a player with his physical gifts.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Instead, the film rushes to its next action beat.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Babcock is a possession coach; Bouchard’s brilliant passes tape-to-tape out of the defensive zone are textbook starters for rushes up the ice.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • But Van Sant’s imaginative and deeply poignant retelling of Shakespeare’s Henry IV is a pleasure in its own right, its sweetness and gentle touches of surrealism coming together to form a heartbreaking ode to young love.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
  • One of the most interesting design touches is the way the motor and battery pack have been integrated into the chassis.
    Utkarsh Sood June 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Travelers can arrive only 15 minutes before departure, skip the usual airport crowds with minimal security screening in a private, quiet terminal, and fly aboard a 30-seat semi-private jet with unlimited snacks and drinks.
    Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Big families will feel at home at Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, which offers suites that sleep up to six, free made-to-order breakfast daily, and a nightly evening reception with complimentary drinks and snacks.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nips.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nips. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on nips

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster