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Definitions

nix

[niks] / nɪks /
NOUN
none
Synonyms
STRONG
forbidding no nothing refusal sprite veto
Antonyms
STRONG
OK approval sanction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for nix?
Nix is most commonly used as a verb. Close synonyms of this sense are veto, deny, reject, and refuse. Nix is usually a bit more informal than these. This sense of nix is used in the context of saying no to or rejecting ideas, plans, suggestions, proposals, etc. When someone is said to have nixed something, it typically means that they have given it a hard no. In other words, when something is nixed, it’s often denied or rejected permanently. You could also use words like quash or cancel. Relatedly, nix can be used as a noun meaning a rejection or a refusal. This is kind of like saying that something has gotten the ax.  Nix can be used as a noun meaning “nothing,” as in zero, zip, zilch, nada, nil, naught. It can also mean no, but this isn’t commonly used. Sometimes, nix is used as an interjection of warning, similar to Watch out! or Be careful!
Where does nix come from?
The word nix comes from a variant of the German word nichts, which means “nothing.” The first records of the word in English come from the late 1700s.
How do you use nix in a sentence?
Nix is a pretty informal word that’s often used in casual communication. It’s sometimes used in news headlines as a shorter way of saying reject. Here are some examples of nix in a sentence:
  • My mom nixed my plans of staying up late to watch a horror movie.
  • The board nixed the policy proposal without even taking any comments on it. 
  • At first, we were going to paint it, but we decided to nix that idea.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bottom-liners had also nixed Gehry’s original design for a more gracious lobby with a cafe out front, not the gloomy one installed against his will.

From Los Angeles Times

This has resulted in the FDA moving trial standards and nixing drugs for arbitrary reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal

Will he bow to US pressure to nix a project to link China and Chile across the Pacific via an undersea fiber optic cable?

From Barron's

After nixing a blockbuster with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Baltimore Ravens sprang into action and landed one of the biggest stars available in free agency instead.

From The Wall Street Journal

He highlighted their work with a rundown of the best jokes he nixed during his hosting run.

From Salon

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.