Nipped at is a phrase that can be used to describe a quick and small bite or pinch, or a feeling of being slightly cold. If you're looking for synonyms for this phrase, there are several options available. For instance, you could use the phrase "took a nibble of" instead of "nipped at" to describe a small bite. Similarly, you could use the phrase "pinched" to describe a more intense bite or pinch. Finally, if you're using this phrase to describe a feeling of cold, you could use words such as "chilly," "frosty," or "brisk" instead. Overall, there are many ways to describe the action or feeling that "nipped at" conveys.