Meaning & use
nixing
Last updated
“nixing” is a form of “nix”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbtransitiveinformal
The -ing form of nix: rejecting, canceling or putting a stop to a plan or idea.
Grammar: Takes an object: nixing the proposal.
Patterns
- nixing something
The manager is nixing the plan to move the office downtown.
We are nixing the second trip because of the budget.
Nixing the late-night shift made the staff much happier.
Word forms
| base form | nix |
|---|---|
| third person singular | nixes |
| past tense | nixed |
| -ing form | nixing |
Common combinations
- nixing a plan
- The council ended up nixing a plan for a new parking lot.
- nixing a deal
- The investors are nixing the deal over price.
- nixing the idea
- Nixing the idea saved the team weeks of work.
- nixing a proposal
- Nixing the proposal surprised everyone at the meeting.
- nixing the project
- The studio is nixing the project after poor test results.
Synonyms and how they differ
- scrapping
- Scrapping suggests throwing away a plan completely, while nixing can also mean a quick veto before it starts.
- vetoing
- Vetoing implies an official power to block, whereas nixing is more casual and can be done by anyone.
- canceling
- Canceling is neutral and often applies to events, while nixing sounds quicker and more informal.
- axing
- Axing stresses ending something that already exists, like a program or a job, while nixing can apply to ideas before they are carried out.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: nixing or nixie?
nixing vs nixie
A nixie is a water spirit in folklore; nixing is just the -ing form of the verb nix.
Practice
The director is ___ the second sequel, so the studio will not make it.
Choose one answer.
Nixing means rejecting or canceling, so the sequel will not be made. Green-lighting means approving and would have the opposite effect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “nixing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.