nip at

Snap teeth toward

To nip at something is to bite at it with quick, small bites—the way a dog might nip at your heels or a fish nip at bait.

Cold weather nips at exposed skin.

Figuratively, worries or doubts can nip at you, suggesting persistent minor irritation: Anxiety nipped at her all morning.

criticize

chide

Rebuke mildly

  • rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
  • scoldRebuke harshly
  • carpWhine about trivialities

snipe · needle · peck · harass · badger · hound · prod · jab · taunt · heckle

bite

nibble

Small, tentative bite

  • snapSudden sharp sound
  • gnawBite repeatedly at
  • teethEnamel-covered chewing structures

pinch · peck · tug · chew · graze · snip · chomp · clamp · morsel · munch

cold

chill

Cold sensation or relaxation

  • frostThin ice coating
  • bitePierce with teeth
  • stingSharp wound from insect

pierce · brisk · raw · biting · bitter · sharp · cutting · wintry · crisp · bracing

Opposites
intensity of biting/attack

nip atmaul

Attack with brutal force

savage · gnaw · devour · clamp down on · tear apart

physical interaction style

nip atcaress

Gentle loving touch

nuzzle · stroke · pet · cuddle · soothe

engagement vs. disengagement

nip atignore

Refuse to notice

leave alone · avoid · shy away from · release · let go of

Family

nip, nips, nipped, nipping, nipper, nippers

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G