1
as in chilly
having a low or subnormal temperature
bring a jacket, as it's a little nippy outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
blue cheese is a little too nippy for my taste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brisk
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed
racing around the neighborhood on a nippy scooter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
a nippy wind that chilled parade watchers to the bone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 nippy
That from a man small in stature but nippy and tenacious, not to mention technically gifted—these characteristics have kept him at the top level in Spain.
—
Henry Flynn, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Last night, Selena Gomez combated the nippy New York City weather with the outerwear trend du jour: the bathrobe.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
Mexico City generally has pretty balmy weather year-round, but temperatures can get a little nippy in the winter.
—Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
The relationship between McConnell and Trump has at times been as nippy as the weather that forced the inauguration inside.
—Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nippy
Henry Flynn, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Last night, Selena Gomez combated the nippy New York City weather with the outerwear trend du jour: the bathrobe.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
Mexico City generally has pretty balmy weather year-round, but temperatures can get a little nippy in the winter.
—Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
The relationship between McConnell and Trump has at times been as nippy as the weather that forced the inauguration inside.
—Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nippy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nippy
Adjective
-
Listen to this article A small group, most wearing light jackets in the chilly May evening, gathered in prayer outside the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City Monday night just hours before Benjamin Ritchie was executed by lethal injection.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
-
During chilly morning boat excursions, hot water bottles appeared on our seats.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.—
Laurie Ochoa,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
The barn jacket makes for a stylish layering piece, which is perfect to bring along for cool nights around the bonfire or brisk boat rides.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
Mike Dunleavy Reveals Big Offseason Roster Goal Now, after a brisk five-game defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves (mostly without their best player, Stephen Curry, who went down in Game 1 with a hamstring strain), the Warriors face an uncertain offseason.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Any chilling effect would also come with international tourism expected to be dented this year, costing $12.5 billion in spending, due to negative perceptions of trade and immigration policy.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
-
But the recent announcements from the federal government may have a chilling effect on what providers are willing to do, experts say.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Aldi may carry kosher items, but the stores don’t have cold and hot deli counters or butchers who customize cuts.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2025
-
The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman’s novel of the same name, follows four retirees — Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) — who solve cold case murders for fun.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Mount Dora study IDs likely source of pungent mystery smell Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage holds steady at 6.76%, not far from highest levels this year Politics Egg prices finally dropped, but the cost of beef hit a record high last month.—
Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2025
-
How To Plant And Grow Onions Emitting Odors From pungent bulbs to delicate chives, onions possess properties that can help deter unwelcome visitors in the garden.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
The consequences of warming will probably vary widely across the world, the report found: rapid thawing of Arctic sea ice, drier seasons in the Amazon, excess rain in places such as Alaska, northern Europe and the Sahel in north-central Africa.—
Corinne Purtill,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
Stocks covered in Thursday’s rapid fire at the end of the video were: e.l.f.—
Matthew J. Belvedere,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
This episode begins with a relatively chill vibe as Dina’s two love interests go riding out into the snowy wilderness, busting each other’s chops.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Though their everyday hangouts are chill, Beckham loves to roll out the red carpet for Milo on special occasions.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nippy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nippy. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share