1
as in chilly
having a low or subnormal temperature
bring a jacket, as it's a little nippy outside
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor
blue cheese is a little too nippy for my taste
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brisk
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed
racing around the neighborhood on a nippy scooter
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in chilling
uncomfortably cool
a nippy wind that chilled parade watchers to the bone
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nippy
But despite the better performance, this car isn’t as nippy as dual motor Teslas, nor is the performance delivery so immediate.
—
James Morris, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for nippy
James Morris, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for nippy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nippy
Adjective
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That’s still chilly, but remember the greenhouse effect: there is a lot of frozen methane and carbon dioxide on Pluto, so these ices can vaporize and possibly provide enough thermal retention to make the tiny world at least somewhat comfortable, if not exactly habitable.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
3 July 2025
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The rooftop bar features large couches placed near a grand fireplace for all the chilly nights to come.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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But after its three-year hiatus, the food chain is re-releasing the sandwich, now with three versions to choose from—original, spicy and grilled.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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Ginger Beer: As ever, the spicier the ginger beer, the better.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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This special lid prevents splashes from brisk walks and works to keep any heat (or cold) from escaping.—
Kayla Kitts,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
-
Another takes a brisk walk around the block between back-to-back meetings.—
Ashley B. Stewart,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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For an Austin audience, this data center conflict resonates with a chilling familiarity.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 July 2025
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The dinosaurs revert to instinct and viciously attack humans, thereby creating chilling suspense for audiences.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Everyone’s temperature preferences differ—some sleep hot, others cold.—
Alyssa Hui-Anderson,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
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For evening or colder climates, go with the Parallel Pant.—
Rebecca Deurlein,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Rescuers even tried pumping a pungent banana oil down into the cave, hoping to find another viable entrance above ground.—
Maggie Menderski,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
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Law enforcement has uncovered everything from cocaine hidden among bananas to heroin stashed among pungent shipments of garlic and onions.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Excessive drinking, eating, and urinating or weight changes in children: See a provider if your child is suddenly drinking, eating, or urinating more than usual, or if there’s a rapid change in weight.—
Barbie Cervoni,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
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Trump had for months resisted pressure from Kyiv and NATO allies to turn the screw on Putin, engaging directly with Russia and distancing from Ukraine in the hopes that smoothing U.S. relations with Moscow would bring about a rapid end to the war.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Navigate through the shop aisle to the breezy oceanfront dining room in the back, set on a surprisingly chill stretch of sand.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
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While the small town of Kailua-Kona can be bustling during the summer months, the Big Island is typically chill.—
Will McGough,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nippy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nippy. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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