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Synonyms

nifty

American  
[nif-tee] / ˈnɪf ti /

adjective

niftier, niftiest

  1. attractively stylish or smart.

    a nifty new dress for Easter.

  2. very good; fine; excellent.

    a nifty idea.

  3. substantial; sizable.

    We sold the car for a nifty profit.

noun

plural

nifties

  1. something nifty, as a clever remark or joke.

nifty British  
/ ˈnɪftɪ /

adjective

  1. pleasing, apt, or stylish

  2. quick, agile

    he's nifty on his feet
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • niftily adverb
  • niftiness noun

Etymology

Origin of nifty

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; of obscure origin

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.

Through methods like search engine optimization and other nifty page-ranking subterfuge, this nonverified content climbs to the top of search results and people’s consciousness.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

She got a nifty long pass from her teammate Taylor Heise and saw space.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

China's insatiable appetite for durians has shaped up to be a nifty diplomatic tool.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

Not that “Eternity,” after a plot swerve that had this viewer fooled, doesn’t find a nifty way to stick its heartfelt landing.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

“What is that nifty little thing? Did you make it?”

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.