1
as in stealing
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
that lorry was a piece of rubbish, I don't know why anyone would want to nick it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arresting
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
a petty thief who was always getting nicked for picking the pockets of tourists outside Buckingham Palace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nicking
Verb
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Bregman played his first nine seasons with the Houston Astros, winning World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 — although the first of those yielded a sign-stealing scandal that earned Bregman and his teammates plenty of scorn.—
CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
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Jacob Elordi is known for stealing hearts on and off-screen.—
Verb
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The arresting officer’s injuries did not require medical attention, Frasier told the Idaho Statesman by email.—
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The government is also still cracking down on dissent, arresting people for celebrating Maduro’s capture.—
Verb
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Wilson was arrested in February for allegedly swiping a subway rider through a turnstile and received cash in exchange.—
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How one person feels about spending cash versus swiping their card is really about exposure, Bryan-Podvin says.—
Verb
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But seizing current oil production is one thing; overhauling Venezuela's entire oil industry would be another.—
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Trump has occasionally discussed seizing Greenland since his first term but few initially took his threats seriously.—
Verb
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Take after the actress by grabbing them in black, or choose from six additional colors, including burgundy and deep brown.—
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Healthy cooking often boils down to accessibility and convenience; busy lives can leave people grabbing less nutritious alternatives.—
Verb
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Protesters in Minneapolis have since flooded the streets in the thousands, and ICE agents have responded by apprehending some, shoving others to the ground, and spraying chemical irritants in their faces.—
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While our immigration enforcement should be focused on apprehending and prosecuting violent criminals to make our communities safer, these ICE actions are doing the opposite and making our state less safe.—
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Cite this Entry
“Nicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nicking. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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