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Definitions

nix

[niks] / nɪks /


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.

Johnson praised the lawmakers for “fighting hard to make sure they reduce costs for all of their constituents,” even as he nixed the vote.

From Salon

On Dec. 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s powerful vaccine advisory panel voted to nix the decades-old birth-dose recommendation.

From Los Angeles Times

The California State Transportation Agency, the cabinet-level agency that oversees Caltrans, nixed the suggestion last month, saying the deck replacement had to begin as soon as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

A key vaccine panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted 8-3 to nix a recommendation that all newborns be given a first dose of hepatitis B vaccine.

From The Wall Street Journal

The cuts, however, swept far more broadly, leaving cities puzzled at times as to why their programs were frozen or nixed.

From The Wall Street Journal