Nitpick — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈnit-ˌpik/ nit·pick

Meaning & Definition of Nitpick

Nitpick (verb)

  1. to engage in nit-picking
  2. to criticize by nit-picking

Nitpick (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant

    "her husband nitpicks about everything: from how she puts the plates away to how she files the bills"

    similar: carp, cavil, fuss, niggle, quibble, split hairs
    related: criticize, fault, beef, bellyache, bitch, complain, crab, croak, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, kvetch, moan, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, yammer, yawp, yowl, murmur, mutter
    near: applaud, commend, compliment, praise, recommend, approve, back, champion, endorse, support

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nitpick

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nitpick:

carp, cavil, fuss, niggle, quibble, split hairs

Related Words for Nitpick

criticize, fault, beef, bellyache, bitch, complain, crab, croak, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, kvetch, moan, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, yammer, yawp, yowl, murmur, mutter

Near Antonyms of Nitpick

applaud, commend, compliment, praise, recommend, approve, back, champion, endorse, support

Word Forms of Nitpick

Inflections: nitpicked, nitpicking, nitpicks

Derived words: nitpick (noun), nitpicker (noun), nitpicky (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Nitpick

back-formation from nit-picking

First known use: 1956i

Frequently Asked Questions about Nitpick

What does "Nitpick" mean?

"Nitpick" means to engage in nit-picking. As a verb, it is defined as: to engage in nit-picking.

What is another word for "Nitpick"?

Other words for "Nitpick" include carp, cavil, fuss, niggle, quibble and split hairs. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nitpick" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nitpick"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nitpick". Common alternatives include carp, cavil, fuss, niggle, quibble and split hairs.

How do you use "Nitpick" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nitpick" in a sentence: "her husband nitpicks about everything: from how she puts the plates away to how she files the bills".

Is "Nitpick" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nitpick" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Nitpick"?

"Nitpick" is pronounced /ˈnit-ˌpik/ and divided into syllables as nit·pick.

What is the origin of the word "Nitpick"?

"Nitpick" comes from back-formation from nit-picking. First known use: 1956i.

What is another word for "Nitpick" meaning "to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant"?

When "Nitpick" (verb) means to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant, synonyms include carp, cavil, fuss, niggle, quibble and split hairs.