VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

nix

verb, noun·Everydayinformal

Last updated

UK/nɪks/
US/nɪks/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitiveinformal

    To reject, veto or cancel something, such as a plan or an idea.

    Grammar: Takes an object: the board nixed the proposal.

    Patterns

    • nix something
    • nix a plan

    The mayor nixed the plan for a new stadium.

    My parents nixed the idea of a road trip.

    The studio nixed the sequel after poor sales.

  2. noununcountableslangold-fashioned

    Nothing; none at all.

    Grammar: Old slang, now rare; has a dated feel.

    Patterns

    • get nix

    He asked for a raise and got nix.

    I know nix about engines.

    After all that work, there was nix to show for it.

  3. nouncountablespecialist

    A shape-shifting water spirit in German and Scandinavian folklore.

    Grammar: Folklore use; plural nixes.

    The nix was said to lure travelers into the river.

    The old tale describes a nix living in the lake.

    Children were warned about the nix near the water.

Word forms

third person singularnixes
past tensenixed
past participlenixed
-ing formnixing

Common combinations

nix a plan
Budget cuts nixed the plan.
nix the deal
The investors nixed the deal at the last minute.
nix an idea
My boss nixed the idea immediately.
get nixed
Their proposal got nixed by the committee.
nix the project
The company decided to nix the project.

Synonyms and how they differ

veto
Veto is more formal and implies someone with the official power to block a decision, while nix is casual.
scrap
Scrap suggests throwing away a plan that is already in progress, not just rejecting it.
axe
Axe is similar in tone but is more often used for cutting jobs or programs.
cancel
Cancel is neutral and works for events and bookings, whereas nix suggests a quick, firm decision.

Opposites

approvegreenlight

Word family

nixed adjective
rejected or cancelled
nixing noun
the act of rejecting a plan
nixie noun
a female water spirit in folklore

Commonly confused: nix or nick?

nix vs nick

A nick is a small cut or a British slang word for police station or steal. Nix means reject or nothing.

Practice

The council ___ the proposal for a new parking garage after residents complained.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “nix”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words