What is another word for bites?

Common synonyms for bites include raciness, bite, insectbite, sting, pungency.

What is the opposite of bites?

Antonyms of bites include refrains, abstains, avoids, forbears, refuses.

Synonyms for

Bites

Verb / baɪts / Another word for bites — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to use your teeth to cut or tear something

Synonyms & similar words

raciness bite insectbite sting pungency prick bit seizewithteeth burn snack sharpness chomp morsel collation nips chews gnaws clamps seizes grips snaps catches pinches latches attacks mauls tackles harasses hunts pecks scratches pierces stings punctures

Synonyms by register

Formal

nibbles munches chews

Informal

chomps gnaws munchies

Literary

rends tears lacerates

Antonyms

refrains abstains avoids forbears refuses shuns

Common collocations

bites the bullet
bites the dust
bites off more than he can chew
bites back
bites into
bites down
bites the hand that feeds

Word family

noun bite

verb bite

adjective biting

Usage note

The verb 'bites' can refer to the act of using teeth to cut into something, or figuratively, to be sharp or painful. It is commonly used in idioms like 'bites the bullet'.