Recurring crossword clue · multiple possible answers

Nipping crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 20, 2026

Best starting answer

Start with BITING for six letters when Nipping describes cold or criticism, NIPPY for five letters when the weather is briskly cold, and PINCHING or SNIPPING for eight letters when the clue describes a physical action.

Nipping answers by length

The correct fill depends on the number of squares, crossing letters, and the sense intended by the setter.

3 letters

ICYVery cold or producing a sharp, penetrating chill.

4 letters

COLDHaving a low temperature; nipping when unpleasantly sharp.

KEENPiercing or biting, especially when describing cold air or wind.

5 letters

NIPPYBriskly or sharply cold, especially of weather.

BRISKQuick and energetic, or pleasantly sharp and cold in weather.

SHARPPiercingly cold, keen, or biting in sensation or tone.

6 letters

BITINGSharply cold, painfully cutting, or severe in criticism.

CHILLYUncomfortably or noticeably cold rather than warm.

FROSTYVery cold, covered with frost, or cold and unfriendly in manner.

FRIGIDExtremely cold or lacking warmth in manner or response.

EDGINGNarrowly defeating or moving just ahead of a rival.

7 letters

CUTTINGBitingly cold or hurtfully sharp in language and criticism.

ACERBICSharp, biting, and forthright in tone or expression.

CAUSTICBitingly sarcastic or severe enough to feel cutting.

BEATINGDefeating another person or side, sometimes by a narrow margin.

8 letters

PINCHINGNipping by squeezing sharply between fingers, claws, or opposing edges.

SNIPPINGNipping off a small piece with quick cutting motions.

CLIPPINGCutting or nipping a small amount from an edge or end.

CROPPINGNipping, trimming, or cutting something short.

SNAPPINGNipping or making quick biting movements at a nearby target.

Meanings to check

Sharply or penetratingly cold, especially when describing air, wind, or weather.
Biting, cutting, or caustic in tone, criticism, humor, taste, or effect.
Pinching or biting with the teeth, fingers, claws, or a small tool.
Snipping, clipping, or cropping a small part from something.
Defeating someone narrowly or snapping repeatedly at a nearby target.

Common Nipping clue variants

nipping cold crossword clue

Weather wording points to a cold adjective; use the entry length to separate an icy chill from brisk, keen, frosty, or biting air.

ICY3 lettersCOLD4 lettersKEEN4 lettersNIPPY5 lettersBRISK5 lettersSHARP5 lettersBITING6 lettersCHILLY6 lettersFROSTY6 lettersFRIGID6 lettersCUTTING7 letters

nipping at the heels crossword clue

An animal or pursuing-at-the-heels context describes repeated quick bites rather than cold weather or sharp criticism.

BITING6 lettersSNAPPING8 letters

nipping off crossword clue

Wording about removing a small part calls for a cutting or trimming action, with crossings distinguishing the exact tool motion.

SNIPPING8 lettersCLIPPING8 lettersCROPPING8 letters

nipping someone at the finish crossword clue

Competition wording uses Nipping for a narrow victory, so look for a present-participle verb meaning just getting ahead or defeating.

EDGING6 lettersBEATING7 letters