nifty
12 synonyms for nifty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Impressively clever, useful, or stylish.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use nifty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a nifty trick
a nifty gadget
nifty little device
Informal — fine in conversation, too casual for formal writing.
Etymology
Origin unclear — first recorded in American slang in the 1860s, possibly linked to theatrical slang or a regional word meaning "peeved."
Full origin of nifty →Frequently asked questions
What does “nifty” mean?
The word “nifty” means impressively clever, useful, or stylish. In plain terms, a casual word for something clever, handy, or cool.
How do you pronounce “nifty”?
“Nifty” is pronounced NIHF-tee (/ˈnɪfti/ in IPA).
How do you use “nifty” in a sentence?
Here is “nifty” used in a sentence: “She showed me a nifty trick for folding fitted sheets.”
What part of speech is “nifty”?
“Nifty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “nifty” come from?
The word “nifty” dates back to around 1860. Origin unclear — first recorded in American slang in the 1860s, possibly linked to theatrical slang or a regional word meaning "peeved.".
