Synonyms for

Nick

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

Definition

to make a small cut or notch in something

Synonyms & similar words

ding dent gouge notch chip snick cut snick incise notch slash gash score carve mark chip indent furrow scratch scrape graze abrade lacerate puncture prick stab

Synonyms by register

Formal

notch incision cut gash

Informal

chip dent scratch mark

Literary

scar cleft

Antonyms

whole unblemished perfect flawless complete sound

Common collocations

  • nick of time
  • slight nick
  • deep nick
  • minor nick
  • nick on the paint
  • nick in the wood
  • nick the surface

Word family

noun nick
verb nick

Usage note

The phrase 'in the nick of time' is a common idiom meaning at the last possible moment. As a verb, 'nick' often implies a small, superficial damage.

Example sentences

  1. The sharp blade nicked the surface of the table.
  2. I nicked my finger with the scissors.
  3. He carefully nicked a piece of wood from the tree.
  4. The stone nicked the surface of the car.
  5. She nicked the edge of the paper with her pencil.

Quotes

  • A narrow mind has a broad tongue, and can't see beyond the end of its nose. A nick-name is the heaviest stone that the devil can throw at a man. It is a bugbear to the imagination, and, though we do not believe in it, it still haunts our apprehensions.
  • I'm a perfectionist, so if I do a bad dive, I get really upset. And I forget it and I have to be reminded to put it behind me and move on.
  • I have always wanted to learn French but never had the time or patience. Maybe in the future, I will take a class or two.

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